How Leonardo DiCaprio stepped up to help save his niece after she was 'abducted'

Leonardo DiCaprio joined his father George in helping to care for his niece after she was 'abducted' from her carers when she was just a young girl.

DiCaprio, 49, doesn't have any children of his own but has regularly been seen spending time with his niece, Normandie, whose dad is DiCaprio's stepbrother.

The Titanic actor was spotted out shopping with the teenage girl in Beverly Hills over Memorial Day weekend, and they've previously enjoyed luxurious vacations together abroad.

Leo is the stepbrother of Normandie's dad. (Emma McIntyre/WireImage)

Normandie was placed into the care of DiCaprio's dad, George, following an incident in 2014 in which the little girl was listed as missing by the Department of Justice.

Due to criminal records held by her parents, Normandie had been listed as a dependent of the court in California when she was still a child.

She was not supposed to be taken out of state, but in 2016 she was taken across state lines by her parents, Adam Farrar and Charity Moore.

She was ultimately located by authorities in Texas, with a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services telling RadarOnline at the time: "I am happy to confirm that this child has, in fact, been found. It's great news.

"Beyond that, I can't really say much more. It's always a little delicate as our department is prohibited by state rules from disclosing case-specific information."

Normandie was reported missing in 2016. (California Department of Justice)

"I can confirm for you that this child is a dependent of our juvenile court," the spokesperson continued. "She was abducted on July 31, 2013."

Adam was arrested after Normandie was found, and was accused by the Los Angeles Police Department of 'concealing' his daughter.

Since Normandie was placed in George's custody, DiCaprio has stepped in to help treat her and spend time with her.

Last year, the actor was pictured in Italy with Normandie, George and his stepmother, Peggy Ann Farrar, on a vacation on the Amalfi coast. Normandie has also been seen attending some of DiCaprio's movie premiers in the past.

DiCaprio and Normandie's father Adam previously appeared to have a close relationship, and were at times seen attending a number of Los Angeles Lakers games together.

However, it's believed the stepbrothers have become more distant over the years.

In 2016, Adam told the MailOnline: "We were once so close. I loved him and I still do. But we’ve not spoken in a couple of years. The last time I saw Leo was at his birthday party a couple of years ago."

During the interview, Adam also noted: "I’m a grown man and I’m responsible for my own actions."