The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Missing Children's Registry; Revenue Canada Customs, International Project Return; Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade are working together to protect abducted children and runaways who are encountered crossing the Canadian/US border. In co-operation with other Canadian and US agencies, and with law enforcement agencies in more than 40 countries, they exchange information and assist each other in finding missing children and reuniting them with their families.

Since 1986, Customs Inspectors and Immigration Officers have recovered over 671 runaway/abducted children in Canada. These officials are on full alert for children who need protection and therefore pay extra attention to children as they enter Canada. A child or youth traveling without proper identification, or in the company of adults other than their legal guardian, may be subjected to a more thorough interview. This additional scrutiny is aimed at ensuring the safety of the child.

• Always carry proper identification for yourself and the child(ren), such as: birth cetificate; citizenship card; passport; baptismal certificate; Record of Landing (IMM1000) or Registered Indian Card.
  
  
• If you have the legal custody of the child(ren), have copies of relevant documents such as: custody rights.
  
  
• If you are not the legal guardian of the child(ren), carry a letter of permission or authorization for you to have custody when entering Canada. A letter would also facilitate entry for any one parent traveling with their child(ren). If possible, this permission should contain contact telephone numbers for the legal quardian or parent.
  
  
• If you are traveling as part of a caravan, be sure that you are in the same vehicle as your child(ren) when you arrive at the border.
  
  
• Have your child(ren) memorize your home and/or office telephone number and teach him/her to reach you in an emergency situation.
  
  

If you are traveling with children and encounter a few or more questions than normal from our Customs Inspectors or Immigration Officers, please be patient. The protection and safety of children is everybody's concern.