MISSING CHILDRENHelp protect our nation's greatest resource.....our children. Teach your children how to use your home telephone and a pay or cellular telephone to make both local long distance calls. Be sure they know: Update the photos and physical description in your home file on your children regularly; four times a year for children under 2. Be sure to include information on extra curricular activity and friends addresses and phone numbers. Have a set of their footprint or fingerprints taken and be able to locate dental or medical records if necessary. Know where your children are all times. Never leave them unattended in a public place, car, store or restroom, especially a restroom with more than one entrance. Take note of what your child wears everyday. Avoid putting their names on the outside of clothing or books (children may respond more readily to someone who calls them by name). Be sure your child knows what to do if you become separated while shopping . The child should never look for you or leave the store and never go to the parking lot or hide if scared. The child should be instructed to go immediately to the nearest clerk and ask for help. Explain to your child who is stranger is. Being polite to adults is okay but they are allowed to say NO when adults ask for assistance. Children should never get into or go near the home or car of someone they do not know or take gifts from them. Be aware of anyone who pays an unusual amount of attention to your children. Listen if they do not want to be left alone with someone. Choose a secret code word to use with your children in case of an emergency. Explain to only go with someone who knows this word. Stress that the word (or words) should be kept secret and change it frequently. Instruct your children's schools or day-care centers to notify you immediately if your children are absent and who is authorized to pick them up. In a matter of fact, non-threatening way, explain the many tactics possible abductors use to lure children away and how to respond to these tactics. Ask your children to tell you about uncomfortable situations, like being asked to keep a secret or about meeting any new adults. Walk your children's route to and from school pointing out dangerous spots, such as vacant lots, alleyways etc. Encourage the buddy system and tell them what to do if a stranger follows or approaches them. Be cautious when selecting anyone who will have responsibility for your children. Meet with them and check their references. If left home alone, make sure children know the proper way answer the telephone and the door in your absence. Let your children know you are willing to talk to listen to anything they want to report. Children should trust their feelings and know that you are always concerned for their safety. STEPS TO TAKE IF YOUR CHILD DISAPPEARS Call your local law enforcement agency immediately. Make sure your
child is entered into the national crime information center (NCIC) computer. |