Preventing Childhood Abduction

Perhaps the greatest fear of a parent is the horror of child abduction.  Preventative measures are our greatest ally.  Below is a brief list of precautions you can take with your child:

1- Teach your child about how people would try to lure them into going with them. Share a "secret" code word with your child which could be used if you wanted someone else to pick them up.

2-   Instruct your child where to meet if you were to get separated.

3-   Make sure your child knows address, phone and emergency numbers to call.

4-   Keep a written description of your child's height, weight, eye and hair color with you at all times. Include medical alerts.

5-   Carry a clear, color photo of your child. Update every six to twelve months.

6-   Keep a current file on your child including friends names, phone numbers, fingerprints & medical records.  These records should be kept together in a safe place along with emergency contact numbers and national organizations which work to search for missing children.

7-   Encourage the buddy system.  Your child should not walk alone or go into public bathrooms without someone else.

Our office issues Safety ID Cards for children. Parents carry them around in their wallets in case a young child is missing at the mall for example.  When given to the proper authorities, these cards can speed up the child find process and prevent further catastrophe.  Unlike most other Safety ID Cards available today, these do not include the child’s name or address o the card.  One major cause of abduction is because a child’s name has gotten into the wrong hands.

Older children carry the cards themselves for emergency purposes.  If a child becomes injured in the absence of their parents, these cards will help identify the child with an emergency phone number and any medical alert.  These ID cards are available by calling our office at 586-726-KIDS.