NCJ Number
202372
Date Published
August 2003
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This document presents information on the Convention on Contact Concerning Children.
Abstract
The objects of the convention are to determine general principles to be applied to contact orders; to fix appropriate safeguards and guarantees to ensure the proper exercise of contact and the immediate return of children at the end of the period of contact; and to establish cooperation between central authorities, judicial authorities, and other bodies in order to promote and improve contact between children and their parents, and other persons having family ties with children. A child and his/her parents have the right to obtain and maintain regular contact with each other. Such contact may be restricted or excluded only where necessary in the best interests of the child. Where it is not in the best interests of a child to maintain unsupervised contact with one of his/her parents the possibility of supervised personal contact or other forms of contact with this parent shall be considered. Subject to his/her best interests, contact may be established between the child and parents other than his/her parents having family ties with the child. The child has the right to be informed, consulted, and to express his/her views. When resolving disputes concerning contact, the judicial authorities will take all appropriate measures to inform the parents of the importance of regular contact with the child; to encourage parents to reach an amicable agreement; and to ensure that they make a decision in the best interests of the child. State parties will take all appropriate measures to ensure that contact orders are carried into effect. Each state party will provide for and promote the use of safeguards and guarantees. Each state party will appoint a central authority to carry out the functions provided for by this convention in cases of transfrontier contact. The judicial authorities, central authorities, and the social and other bodies of states parties concerned will cooperate in relation to proceedings regarding transfrontier contact.