Left-behind Parents

Hi BT'ers! It's been a while and it's time to get back into the swing of things. I came across this article in the Japan Times regarding two expats living in Japan that feel abandoned by their respective embassy when it comes to dealing to child custody issues. Of course this (child custody in Japan) was big news towards the later part of 2009 and I predict will be on the forefront of issues that Japan will sooner, rather than later, have to address!

Check out "Left-behind parents receive short shrift from embassies" via Lifelines written by By ANGELA JEFFS and KEN JOSEPH JR. via The Japan Times:"Two recent inquiries have come in from Canadian fathers who have suddenly lost contact with their children."Every day I take my daughter to school and pick her up and take her home," writes B.Y. "I went to pick up my daughter and she was not there. Her mother has disappeared."In another case, D.W. recounts, "I came home and my children did not return home. I received a telephone call from my wife and she informed me that she was divorcing me and I would receive the papers shortly. What can I do?""Read the rest of the story here. Please feel free to leave a comment!Angela Jeffs is a freelance writer and writing guide (www.thewriterwithin.net/). Ken Joseph directs the Japan Helpline at www.jhelp.com and (0570) 000-911. Send queries, problems and posers to lifelines@japantimes.co.jp[ad#468x60-ad]