| There are many things in this world of ours that | | | | directly to a cashier and to not go out to the parking lot |
| challenge us and cause us great pain at times but for | | | | to look for you |
| the most part we are extremely resilient and bounce | | | | * Never leave a child alone in a car or stroller, even for |
| back quickly....but no one really overcomes the grief | | | | a minute |
| associated with child abduction. Lets take a look at | | | | * Point out homes in your neighborhood where they |
| some unfortunate statistics: | | | | can go in case of trouble |
| * Around 260,000 children are abducted every year in | | | | * Check babysitters references |
| the U.S. | | | | * Never post pictures of your child on the internet, this |
| * More than 65% of children abducted by non family | | | | includes personal information |
| members are girls | | | | We should be aware that our children are of course, |
| * 31% of the children are physically abused | | | | young, impressionable and innocent, therefore, we must |
| * 32% of abductions take place in a street or car / | | | | be very careful and delicate in the way we approach |
| 25% take place in a park or wooded area | | | | the subject of their safety. You don't want to create |
| * 75% of abductors are male | | | | scenarios that petrify your child with fear but you want |
| * 67% of them are below 29 years of age | | | | to express the reality that there are dangerous people |
| * 40% of children in stereotypical kidnappings are killed | | | | out there and for them to be aware and cautious. |
| * 79% of kidnappings are carried out by strangers / | | | | Children can be a little confused about their role |
| 21% by acquaintences | | | | because parents have always emphasized that they |
| There are many things we can do to keep our children | | | | should be respectful and polite to strangers....THE |
| safe, many of these are tried and true practical | | | | ABDUCTOR KNOWS THIS AND USES IT TO HIS |
| measures that you have heard your whole life but are | | | | ADVANTAGE! You should let your child know that it is |
| still effective and essential. Lets review some of them: | | | | alright to say "NO" to an adult, such as when an adult |
| * Know where your children are at all times, make | | | | asks your child to to help them search for a lost puppy |
| sure they inform you of where they will be | | | | or pet. THIS IS A COMMON PLOY A PREDATOR |
| * Don't let them go places without a companion, | | | | WILL USE! Children should know that adults don't ask |
| abductions occur mostly when the child is alone | | | | children for help! |
| * If you child walks home, know his or her route | | | | Another critical measure for you as a parent is to |
| * Emphasize to your children that it is unacceptable to | | | | keep your childs medical and dental records updated. |
| take rides from strangers without your permission | | | | This include having on hand a "CHILD SAFETY KIT" |
| * Tell your children to never say that their parents are | | | | which includes documents of your childs personal |
| not home when they answer the phone, tell them | | | | information like a recent photo, description and |
| instead to say that you are busy right now and cant | | | | fingerprints. You must be aware that if your child |
| come to the phone | | | | becomes missing, the first few hours are critical in |
| * Tell them to never open the door to your home | | | | getting them back safely. This is why you must have |
| when your not there, once again, they should not tell a | | | | the appropriate documents to hand over to the |
| visitor that you are not home | | | | authorities right away. DO NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU |
| * Be tuned into your childs behavior, ask questions if | | | | CAN GATHER THIS INFORMATION AFTER THE |
| they have something bothering them | | | | FACT! You will probably be distraught to the point of |
| * Avoid clothing with the childs name sewn or written, | | | | not offering up crucial information needed on your child. |
| such as backpacks, predators use this to gain the | | | | In the unfortunate event that your child is abducted, |
| childs confidence | | | | immediately call "911" and the local law inforcement in |
| * Make sure your child knows his/ her full name, | | | | your area. You should be able to give a good |
| address, phone number. Teach them the importance | | | | description of your child and what he or she is wearing. |
| of dialing "911' | | | | REMEMBER......This is your child, not an adult..... there is |
| * Review with your child what to do if you get | | | | no waiting period for the police and FBI to initiate a |
| seperated in a store. Tell them that they should go | | | | search, TIME IS CRITICAL....BE PREPARED! |