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PARENTS: While
stranger abduction is rare (300 - 500 cases each year),
it does happen and more than 100 children
are murdered each year. |
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An encounter
with a stranger can appear like a parent
and uncontrollable child. If
you observe unusual behavior, i.e. an adult dragging a child, make notes including
whom, when, where and descriptions of people, vehicles
and license plate numbers. |
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Take the time to Get Involved, it
may Save A Life.
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these tips to minimize the opportunity for your child
to become a victim: |
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Be
aware that children are not safe from abductors
because they are close to home. More than 50%
of child abductions take place within three city
blocks
of the victim’s home and about one-third
(33%) of them within one-half block! Do not assume
sending your child alone to the neighborhood store is
safe.
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Ensure
that your children are supervised at all times
even if they are in their own front yard.
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Make
sure children understand cautions. Children are
warned about “strangers”, but they
often don’t know who these “strangers” are.
Role-play with your child various scenarios where
they might be lured. Tell your children “adults
don’t need a child’s help if someone,
asks for help with a puppy or kitten, or offers
treats, turn around and run to a safe place.
Be sure to tell a trusted adult so other children
can be safe, too.”
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Never
leave a child alone in a public place or allow
a child to enter a public restroom alone.
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Always
accompany your child on door to door activities
like trick-or-treating or school fundraising.
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Never
put your child’s name on clothes or toys.
A child is more likely to approach someone when
called by name.
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Carefully
check references for baby-sitters, and be wary
of older friends.
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Meet
with your neighbors and agree to look out for
children. Consider putting signs in windows denoting
houses as “safe for children”.
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Make
sure your child feels free to talk to you about
things that are confusing or frightening. Ask for
help from a pastor or friend if you need ideas
on how to do this.
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Discuss
with your child how the police can help, and how
to get their help. Introduce your child to a police
officer or arrange for a field trip to the nearest
police station or invite an officer to speak at
school.
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Visit
www.sexoffender.com or your state DPS office web-site
to check for registered sex offenders in your area.
Searches can be made by name or zip code. Know
your neighbors and make sure your child does, too.
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Keep
an up-to-date photo and completed child ID kit,
and know the location of your child’s medical
and dental records.
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Call
the police immediately if your child is unaccounted
for. Do not delay. Fast action is critical – most
missing children are not reported for two hours,
and most murdered children were killed within
the first 3 hours of abduction.
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Make sure your child knows his full name, your name,
address and telephone number with area code.
Many child abductions are witnessed by people who
do not realize that a crime is being committed.
Does your child really know how to use a pay phone,
or make collect calls?
Does your child know when to call 911?
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We want every child to be safe.
Get a free Child ID kit by writing to us at:
Texas Center for the Missing
6330 W. Loop S., Suite 105
Bellaire, TX 77401
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Some of the information contained in this brochure was compiled from the 1997 Washington State Attorney
General’s Office Missing Children Homicide Report
and Child Find Canada.
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