Effects of International Parental Child Abduction on Abducted Children and Left-Behind Parents

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, on behalf of the Office of Children’s Issues, is seeking proposals for a research study to examine how international parental child abduction affects abducted children and left-behind parents in the United States. The selected recipient will identify the short- and long-term psychological, developmental, economic, and social effects of these abductions, pinpoint existing support gaps, and recommend solutions to address those gaps. This research initiative will be funded through a single cooperative agreement targeting public, state-controlled, or private research institutions and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status. Eligible organizations must submit their applications by September 10, 2026, for an award valued between $1,000,000 and $1,973,000, with inquiries directed to OCSGrants@state.gov.