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Abduction Prevention Tips |
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- Never assume your child will not be abducted - always
act as though it could happen.
- Establish solid communication with your child.
Develop open dialogue so he/she can confide in you in case of trouble.
- Never leave young children unattended (at home, in a
parked car, shopping cart or in a public restroom).
- Make certain your child knows his/her full name, your
name, address and telephone number, including area code. Teach him/her
to use the telephone. Help may be available by dialing 911 or "O"
- Have pictures taken yearly. For preschoolers,
pictures should be updated quarterly.
- Keep records of fingerprints, footprints, dental and
doctor information, birthmarks and birth certificates. You should keep
copies of x-rays as hospitals do not keep such records for more than a
few years.
- Tell baby-sitters or friends caring for the child not
to let your child go with anyone but you.
- Teach your child to avoid people they don't know.
- Explain to your child that a stranger is someone they
do not know, nor do you.
- Teach your child that adults usually do not ask
children for directions. If someone should stop in a car asking
directions, tell your child not to go to the car.
- Have your child practice the buddy system until old
enough that this system is not necessary.
- Caution your child not to play in deserted places.
There is safety in numbers.
- Teach your child the facts of abduction early. If
handled simply as another fact of life - another coping skill - children
need not be inordinately frightened by the idea of abduction.
- Establish strict procedures regarding who will pick
up your child from school and be meticulously consistent.
- Have your school establish a "School Call Back
Program" and visitor check-in policies.
- Teach your child never to go anywhere with anyone who
doesn't know a family "Code" word.
- Make sure that your child does not have his/her name
on a visible place such as clothing or belongings. It makes it harder
for strangers to be on a first name basis with your child.
- Know as much as possible about your ex-spouse and
his/her friends and relatives. Pay attention to threats of stealing the
child. Watch for attitude changes and/or unstable behavior in your
ex-spouse. Be aware of how a life-style change by you or your spouse
might affect him/her.
- Explain to your child that if they are home alone not
to open the door for anyone except previously designated persons. This
includes a salesperson or delivery person.
- Teach your child never to answer the telephone and
tell anyone that he/she is home alone. If someone should call, instruct
your child to make a prepared statement such as , "Daddy/Mommy cannot
come to the phone right now... can I take a message."
- Teach older children to come home at dark.
- Remind older children to phone home.
- Know who your child's friends are, where they live,
and their telephone numbers.
- Beware of any adult that showers your child with an
inordinate amount of attention and/or presents. No one should care more
about your child than you.
- Be aware that a pedophile is usually an adult whose
sexual preference is confined to youngsters. The classic pedophile preys
on runaways or children from unhappy homes. He showers the child with
affection. By the time sexual activity takes peace, the child is often
an uncomplaining partner and it goes unreported. Please show your child
appropriate affection.
- Teach your child that if they are being followed not
to hide behind bushes, but to go where there are people or to a safe
house.
- Teach your child that it is appropriate to "make a
scene" if he/she senses danger from an adult. Teach him/her to yell
"HELP!", or "I DON'T KNOW YOU!", not just scream.
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