GO6964: International Child Abduction Respondents Scheme

The International Child Abduction Respondents Scheme (ICARS) may provide funding to an individual who is responding to a 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction application seeking the return of a child under the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986 (the Regulations) in an Australian court.

To be eligible you must be: (a) defending or proposing to defend an application filed in an Australian court under Regulation 14(1) of the Regulations seeking a return order for a child (or children), or (b) appealing or proposing to appeal a return order made by an Australian court under the Regulations, or (c) responding to or proposing to respond to an appeal against a non-return decision made by an Australian court under the Regulations.

ICARS grants will be available for proceedings instituted in an Australian court on or after 2024-01-01, and appeals filed on or after 2024-01-01 with respect to such proceedings.

Applications completed by a legal representative, authorised agent or authorised organisation on your behalf are accepted.

You must attach a copy of a court document that lists your name as a party to proceedings brought under the Regulations.

Applications must address all eligibility and assessment (reasonableness) criteria and include required supporting documentation (financial documents, detailed cost estimate from legal representative, relevant court documents, proof of identity).