Fortunately, cases of alleged international child abduction by a parent are rare enough that they make headlines when they do occur. But these cases happen often enough that there are international organizations that work with authorities here in the U.S. and their colleagues in the country where the child has been taken to ensure the child's return. This process is often slow and emotionally difficult for the parent left behind, making it especially heartwarming when a reunion between parent and child occurs.
An Oregon woman enjoyed such a reunion on May 16 when she flew to San Francisco to pick up her son, whose father is accused of taking him to New Zealand in December 2010 in violation of a child custody agreement. Also arriving in San Francisco that morning was the father, whom police arrested on a charge of first-degree custodial interference. He is expected to be extradited to Oregon to face the charge there.
