Section 1When This Procedure Applies
This procedure applies when VML Kids has been notified that a non-resident parent has not returned a child when required by a Court Order, or has removed a child from the care of the resident parent without lawful authority — and the child's account subsequently shows activity on the platform.
This is a sensitive situation that requires both urgency and professional judgement. The child's safety is paramount. However, this is also a situation with legal and emotional complexity that demands a measured, consensus-based response rather than unilateral action.
Important — professional context
A Court has ruled on the residence of this child. It is not for VML Kids to re-examine or second-guess that ruling, nor to be drawn into a custody dispute. Our role is clear and limited: to report account activity to the appropriate authorities and follow their guidance.
The child may themselves wish to be with the non-resident parent. That is not our decision to make. Do not make assumptions about the child's wishes. Do not get emotionally involved. Follow the procedure and let the appropriate authorities determine the appropriate response.
Section 2Immediate Required Actions
Unlike some other critical alert procedures, this situation requires an initial consensus step before external referral — because of its legal and emotional sensitivity. However, this does not mean delay. The process below must begin immediately:
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1
Notify the Duty Safeguarding Director immediately — by telephone. A follow-up email must be sent immediately after the call. The Duty Safeguarding Director must be informed of the account activity, the Court Order in question, and all relevant details.
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2
The Safeguarding Director will immediately convene a Safeguarding Meeting. This meeting is to determine next steps and will include all relevant information available. It will be convened without delay — this is not an excuse for postponement. The meeting may include contact with the resident parent for guidance, where this is appropriate and safe to do so.
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3
Contact the Police Force of the resident parent's area. The Safeguarding Meeting will always include a call to the relevant Police Force. The platform will provide them with the account activity information and seek their guidance on how they wish to proceed. The police decision on how to handle the situation will be followed.
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4
Preserve all evidence in accordance with the three-layer evidence architecture. All logs, account activity data and communications must be preserved immediately. If the police request information for a potential prosecution, a hash-verified working copy will be provided. The core evidential log remains sealed and is accessible only under a Court Order.
Section 3Procedure Flowchart
Child Removed in Breach of Court Order — Critical Alert Procedure
Section 4Version Control
| Document Reference | VML-KIDS-CAP-004 |
| Version | 1.0 — Initial Issue |
| Issued | April 2026 |
| Next Mandatory Review | April 2027 |
| Owner | Teravoxus Holdings Limited — Senior Leadership |
Other Critical Alerts
Consequences of Non-Compliance
These procedures are non-negotiable and must never be altered. Failure to follow them could result in serious delay to an investigation and harm to a child, which is unacceptable.
Any delays will be internally investigated and fully audited. Systemic failures will be identified and corrected, training programmes adapted and shortcomings rectified. Any wilful delays or negligent behaviour identified in any member of staff will be considered gross misconduct and grounds for immediate removal from their position pending disciplinary action.
In extreme cases, the matter may be reported to the Crown Prosecution Service, or its equivalent in the relevant jurisdiction, for possible criminal prosecution. This will be especially applicable where such delays can be shown to have caused suffering or harm to a child.