Prevention Tips

• Teach your child his own name and telephone number as well as 911. Also show them how to use a public telephone
• Encourage your child to travel in a group, avoid isolated areas, and let someone know where they are.
• Avoid name tags on outside of your child’s clothing or bags where they are visible.
• Teach your child not to accept anything from strangers. Also, teach them never to tell anyone either in person or on the phone that they are home alone.
• Know who your child’s friends are and their telephone numbers. Know the time when they are expected home.
• Make sure your child knows who will pick him/her up at school.
• Know your child’s route to school. Walk the route with them and show them areas of potential trouble. Instruct your child to stick to the same route all the time.
• If your child is approached by someone asking directions, ensure they know to never get in the car to show them the way. Teach them to step back, give directions and then walk away.
• Never leave a young child in your vehicle unattended or leave the car running while young children are inside.
• Never leave you children with someone you don’t know - even if just for a minute.
• Create a secret password with your child so they will recognize when someone truly is a representative of their parent.

Before calling the police:

• Act quickly. Time is vital. Check the entire house - closets, basement, attic, under beds, etc - and any other location your child may hide.
• Check all outside play areas near your home - garden, shed, playgrounds, parks etc
• Call your child’s friends and see if they have seen him/her and/or their last known location and time.
• Contact authorities at school.
• If applicable, contact and ex-spouse, a boss, and the hospitals.
• Contact the police.