In terms of child custody, what is considered parental abduction?

Parental abduction occurs when one parent takes a child without the consent of the other parent or in violation of a custody agreement. This action typically involves a parent who does not have legal custody or the right to make decisions for the child. In such cases, the taking parent may disregard existing legal custody arrangements, thereby denying the other parent their rights.

This definition highlights that consent is a critical factor in determining the legality of taking a child from one location to another, especially in situations involving custody disputes. The correct choice reflects the seriousness of the offense, which can lead to criminal charges and impact future custody arrangements.

In contrast, other options describe scenarios that do not involve the unlawful taking of a child. Legally taking a child abroad or having both parents agree to relocate does not constitute abduction, as these actions involve consent and compliance with legal guidelines. Similarly, a child running away from home does not directly involve parental actions relating to custody and does not necessarily indicate a violation of custody rights.