Should I report to social services?

[StuntNun]

Apologies for keeping this vague. A close friend's spouse has threatened to leave and take their child out of the country. As both are on the birth certificate then as far as I know it is illegal for one to take their child out of the country without the other's permission, which would not be given. Would you report this threatened abduction to Social Services?

No.

Most people would rather SS didn't involve themselves in their family life.

Leave it to your close friend to sort out.

No, I'd keep my sticky beak out. If she is concerned, she can seek help.

Your friend need to apply to the court for a prohibited steps order to prevent the removal of the children from the country.

Unless there are concerns about the childs welfare then social services won't get involved. It sounds more of a domestic issue I'm afraid.
I would also suggest you keep out of it to be honest.

I don't think the threat to take the child and leave the country is being taken seriously. It's hard to stand by and watch a relationship become a train wreck.

It's not the sort of thing Social Services deals with.

If there is a real and credible danger then your friend needs to make an emergency application for a Prohibited Steps Order; I believe that once (s)he has that (s)he can also get some kind of flag put on the children's passport records.

Thanks very much, I'll let my friend know.