1. Inter-American Network for Cooperation on Family Law Public Component

2. Objective: Internet-based virtual library of public information Information on family law issues and transactions Information to protect and enforce the rights of women, children and families Principal focus is legal information Information on competent authorities of the Inter- American system

3. Scope: The scope of the Network is not limited to the Inter-American Conventions on civil cooperation or family law Cover National and International Law Tools of the system not limited to Inter- American context Secure communications is not subject to monitoring

4. Method: Identification of areas in which there exists a necessity for international legal cooperation Collaboration between Department of International Law and countries that participate in the project Answer of a questionnaire Upload to webpage

5. Role of the Designated Authority: Assist in developing questionnaire Assist in answering questionnaire Coordinate with national entities Coordinate with OAS In addition to role as focal point in legal cooperation on family law

6. Questionnaire: Procedural Questionnaire Includes General Information and Procedure for a Request of International Legal Cooperation Designated Authority for the Network Substantive Questionnaire Transaction Issues: Paternity, Child Support, Alimony, Custody, Visitation, and Adoption Protection Issues: Child Abduction, Trafficking, Abuse and Sexual Abuse

7. Procedural Procedural General InformationGeneral Information Cooperation ProcedureCooperation Procedure Designated AuthorityDesignated Authority Information on cooperation for inInformation on cooperation for in General Information General Information Paternity Paternity Adoption of Minors Adoption of Minors Custody & Visitation Custody & Visitation Child AbductionChild Abduction Support ObligationsSupport Obligations Trafficking & Abuse Trafficking & Abuse Substantive Substantive

8. Information Requested Brief description of the legal system Texts of internal legislation Bilateral treaties Multilateral agreements Competent authorities Most relevant judicial decisions Other documents of interest

9. General Information Requested Introduction to legal system Overview family law regulations Fundamental texts in family and child law Bilateral treaties Multilateral agreements Case Law

10. Substantive areas Establishment and Recognition o Paternity Adoption of Minors Custody and Visitation Rights Abduction and Return of Minors Alimony and Child Support Trafficking of Minors

11. Experience with Bahamas PHASE ONE: Submittal of the questionnaire Receipt of commentaries and questions Adjustment of the questionnaire Receipt of the completed questionnaire Incorporation to the public component

12. Experience with Bahamas PHASE TWO: Revised Questionnaire Procedural Component Public vs. Private Information Designated Authority Contact Information

13. Next Steps: Agree on text of questionnaire Discuss the public vs. private issues Previous States: Revise Answers Current States: New Procedural Component New States: work off of revised questionnaire Collaboration between DIL and participant member states