7 FAM 140
consular visits in welfare and whereabouts cases
(CT:CON-836; 08-27-2018)
(Office of Origin: CA/OCS)
7 FAM 141 Summary
(CT:CON-836; 08-27-2018)
a. A consular check concerning the welfare and
whereabouts of a U.S. citizen or national abroad usually focuses on the
whereabouts issue. When the family knows where the person is located, but
has concerns for the individuals welfare, there are a variety of options
available to the consular officer to accomplish this task. Consular officers
are not professional social workers, even if individual officers have
background in that field. We cannot compel a person to permit a consular
officer to observe a citizen or national, inspect the household, etc.
Nevertheless, there are cases where it is imperative that the consular officer
act quickly. This frequently requires close coordination with the host
government. CA/OCS is available to assist you 24/7 in critical cases.
b. You may:
(1) Telephone the citizen/national who is the subject
of the inquiry;
(2) Arrange for a visit to the persons home;
(3) Invite the person to come to the embassy or
consulate to discuss his or her situation;
(4) Visit the individual personally; and
(5) Arrange for local authorities to visit the person.
c. If the person is located far away from the embassy
or consulate, it may not be possible for you to visit the individual personally
for some time. You may wish to:
(1) Arrange for local authorities to visit the person;
(2) Arrange for a visit by a member of the local
American community, such as a Citizen Liaison
Volunteer. See 7 FAM 010 to 7 FAM 090
regarding limitations on the use of volunteers; and
(3) Arrange for a visit from a nearby representative
of consulate of a friendly nation.
d. See 7 FAM 300 for guidance about medical cases,
including cases involving mental illness.
e. Exercise active listening skills in conversations
with the citizen/national. See CA/OCS Intranet page welfare and whereabouts
feature for background reference material.
f. Consult CA/OCS/ACS for assistance or guidance.
7 FAM 142 REPORTING ON WELFARE VISITS
(CT:CON-413; 07-13-2012)
a. Send a report of the visit via record email to your
CA/OCS/ACS country officer and in the ACS system. A cable may be appropriate
for certain sensitive or high-profile cases.
b. Reports on welfare and whereabouts visits are
accounts by a Foreign Service post to the Department of State. The reporting
cable or email should not be routinely released to inquirers, even the person
who initiated the request. The information is subject to the Privacy Act and
Freedom of Information Act. (See 7 FAM 010 to 7 FAM 090.)
c. The consular report of the visit should include a
factual account of what occurred. Consider the following points in writing
your report:
(1) Who visited the citizen;
(2) What were the conditions of the interaction
phone, in person, through a third party;
(3) When did it occur;
(4) Where did it occur;
(5) What did you observe;
(6) What was the persons demeanor;
(7) What did the person say about his or her
situation;
(8) What are your concerns (if any) for the
citizen/nationals welfare; and
(9) What are your recommendations or questions?
7 FAM 143 through 149 UNASSIGNED