4. Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.
Arranging Child Care Overseas
If you are planning to place your child or children in a child care facility or employ the services of baby sitters or nannies overseas, you should satisfy yourself about the standards of child care provided in the country concerned. Overseas child care centres are not bound by Australian regulations and standards of child care can be very different from those in Australia.
Child Wise, a leading child protection agency, has been engaged by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to conduct child protection workshops for hotel staff in Bali and Fiji.
Children's Passports
Under Australian law, children cannot be included in an adult's passport. Each child, including a newborn infant, must be issued with their own passport.
Child Sex Crime
It is a criminal offence to have sexual relations with children under the age of 16 years whether in Australia or in another country.
A child whose birth is registered either in a foreign country or at a non-Australian embassy or consulate may have foreign citizenship with no recognition by that country of their Australian citizenship. Parents travelling with a child who may be considered a national of the country they intend to visit should seek the advice of a solicitor or lawyer to discuss custody and other family law issues before travelling to that country.
International
Parental Child Abduction (external site)
In some circumstances, family disagreements over child custody rights can result in one parent removing a child to, or retaining a child in, a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. In such circumstances, the other parent may have recourse to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.
International
Child Adoption (external site)
State and Territory Government authorities in Australia are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. In addition, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is responsible for assessing and deciding applications for visas in accordance with the requirements of the Migration Regulations.
Travelling with Children
Some countries require children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent/guardian to present a letter of consent for travel (signed by both parents) as well as the child's birth certificate. Travellers are advised to check the entry requirements for children of their intended destination before travelling.
Exchange students
Every year more parents send their children overseas on student exchange programs. Parents need to be aware that the standards of selection and screening of host families may vary. If you are considering a student exchange program, you should satisfy yourself that proper practices are in place to protect your child.
The National Coordinating Committee for International Secondary Student Exchange acts as a forum organisation for state/territory exchange registration authorities. Their national guidelines outline the areas of responsibility for Exchange Organisations, governments and exchange students.