These come by way of the ABA FAmily Law Section’s International Law Committee: 

* There are some position changes affecting the Hague Convention Attorney Network.  Patricia Hoff continues as the legal assistance coordinator.  Beth Cooper recently became Incoming Abductions Branch Chief in the Office of Children¹s Issues.

 * Look for major changes to the U.S. State Department Office of Children’s Issues International Parental Child Abduction Website later this year. The changes will provide for easier navigation, more information, and more updates;

 * A reminder for practitioners to check the list of countries party to the Hague Conventions on a frequent basis. The United States continues to encourage additional partnerships with other countries under the Hague Abduction Convention.

 * A word from the Legal Services Corporation: The President of the Legal Services Corporation sent a letter to all  service providers in December 2011 underscoring the existing statutory authority for LSC representation of foreign indigents ­this may facilitate LSC representation of indigent Hague Applicants;

 * The Office of Children¹s Issues began a Pilot Mediation Program for Hague Convention cases and has referred its first case;

 * The Hague Convention Attorney Network welcomes new members.  Information and an enrollment form are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/childabduction.  Click “For Attorneys and Judges.”