Teaching Our Kids and Ourselves
STATISTICS ACCORDING TO A STUDY BY THE UNITED STATES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
According to a study by the U.S. Justice Department, 359,000 children are kidnapped every year.
Of that 359,000 total, 4,600 children are kidnapped by people who are not relatives, many result in rape and assaults.
In 1988, 114,600 children may have been involved in attempted kidnappings; 450,700 children ran away from home; and 127,000 were abandoned by their parents.
May of the safety tips contained in the Child Safety Tips article will be obvious to the child(children). Others will need additional explanation from you. Child Quest encourages all parents to take the time to go through each of the safety tips and explain its significance. Listed below are Tips for Mom and Dad.
Never assume that your child will not be abducted, abused or exploited.
Have your child(children) fingerprinted. Contact the Rowlett Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit or If you are near a Child Quest chapter, call for more information. Or you may
Always maintain a current photograph of your child(children) including current height and weight. (You can obtain a Child Identification Form from Child Quest International).
Obtain a passport for your child(children). Once obtained, it is hard for someone else to obtain another.
Know who your child's friends are, their parents, address and phone number.
Never leave your child unattended (i.e.: shopping malls, a car, home, etc.)
Have your child's school establish a "School Call Back Program". If your child does not arrive at school on time, the school should call to find the reason for absence.
If your child becomes missing, or you suspect abuse, contact your LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.
For more information contact Child Quest International
It has been said that children are our most valuable resource. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we take positive measures to insure their safety and prevent them from becoming victims of crime.
Parents...
Never leave children alone; not at home, in a vehicle, at play, or anywhere.
Define what a STRANGER is. Let your kids know that just because they see someone everyday (e.g. mailman, paperboy, neighbor, etc.) it does not mean these people are not strangers.
Teach your children their full name, your name, full address, and phone number, including area codes. Teach them how to use a phone.
Teach your children the "What if...?" Game, making up different dangerous situations that they might encounter and helping them play out what they would do in that situation.
Take the time to talk to your children and be alert to any noticeable changes in their behavior or attitude toward an adult or teenager; it may be a sign of sexual abuse.
Set up procedures with your child's school or day care center as to whom the child will be released to other than yourself, and what notification procedure they are to follow if the child does not show up on time.
Teach your children that their body is private and no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If anyone touches them in a wrong way they should: SAY NO, GET AWAY, and TELL SOMEONE they trust.
A portion of the above information is reprinted with permission from Child Quest International