Child Abduction

If you need to report an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Court Order
If your child has been abducted and you do not have custody orders in place, you should obtain one as soon as possible. The Child Abduction Unit cannot give you legal advice or guidance. For more information on how to initiate child custody proceedings, consult a private attorney or visit the Sacramento Superior Court website at: www.saccourt.ca.gov.

Visitation Violations
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit accepts reports of violations of court ordered visitation, but does not investigate the reports. The reports serve only as a method for the reporting party to document the violation for use in family court proceedings, if appropriate.

Visitation Violation Report Form

Good Cause Notification
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit accepts reports of “Good Cause” pursuant to Penal Code section 278.7, but does not investigate the reports. The reports serve only as a method for the reporting party to notify the District Attorney’s Office that they have a good faith and reasonable belief that their child will suffer immediate harm if left with the other parent. In addition to filing the Good Cause Notification, you are responsible for commencing custody proceedings within a reasonable time and keeping the District Attorney’s Office informed of your current address and phone number. Failure to fulfill all of these requirements could result in the filing of child abduction charges.

Good Cause Notification Form

Good Cause Contact Information Update Form

Request Assistance

If you are a resident of Sacramento County with a valid custody order granting you primary physical custody and believe that your child was abducted by a non custodial parent, click here to provide your name, the other parent’s name and a phone number where you can be reached. You will be contacted within two business days. You can also request assistance by calling the Child Abduction Unit at 916.875.0096.

Request Assistance Form

The District Attorney’s office may be able to assist you in

enforcing your court order if:

  • You are a Sacramento County resident, and

  • You possess a current, valid court order granting you custody.