This document provides tips to prevent child abduction. It discusses the importance of educating children about stranger danger and teaching them safety techniques like knowing their full name and contact information. Parents are advised to be involved in their children's activities, know their friends, and encourage open communication. Signs of potential abduction include non-custodial abductions by a parent, runaways who could be exploited, and rare non-family abductions which usually end tragically. Prevention focuses on awareness, empowering children, and having plans in case of emergency.

1. How to deal with Child Abduction

2. PREVENTION TIPS FOR CHILD ABDUCTIONS

3. RUNAWAYS Runaways can become victims of sexual exploitation, child pornography, prostitution, drugs and / or crime. The first 48 hours are important for both child and parent. First contact your child’s friends, neighbors, school, relatives, anyone or anywhere your child frequents Secondly call the police department to report your child as a runaway (Juvenile Status Offense)

4. Non-Custodial Abductions The most common form of child abductions Very high recovery rate, but this does not mean the child is automatically safe when taken by a parent. IF I CANT HAVE THEM, NOBODY CAN !! Recovery rate is high because there is a large amount of information known about the abductor (name, SS #, vehicle information etc.)

5. Non-Family & Stranger Abduction TIME is critical Extremely rare, but by far the most serious and usually end in tragedy 16.5 years in Canton and I can not recall a full blown child abduction case by stranger BUT IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME

6. PREVENTION TIPS Education & Awareness (age appropriate) Can not watch your kids 24-7 Educate and Empower your children not to become victims Practice techniques over and over – repetition so it becomes second nature Child ID kit (photos, videos, dental records) Do not put your child’s name on Exterior clothes, books or any object which would allow a stranger to get verbally intimate with your child. Never allow your child to go into a public restroom alone

7. Teach Your Children Their full names, addresses and phone numbers. How to make a long distance call (both directly to you using the area code and by dialing “0” for the operator or dialing 911). Never go into anyone’s home without your permission. Establish a Safe Home Program in your neighborhood. Children should know what homes they are allowed to enter.

8. Teach Your Children If they become separated from you while shopping not to look for you, but to go to the nearest checkout counter and ask the clerk, (1) if he or she works there, and (2 ) for assistance. Never go to the parking lot! To walk with and play with others. The child is most vulnerable when alone. If your child walks to school, have him/her walk with other children. Adults do not usually ask children for directions. If someone should stop in a car asking for directions, the child should not go near the car.

9. Teach Your Children If they are followed, they should go to a place where there are other people, to a neighbor’s home or into a store. They should ask for help. They should not try to hide behind bushes or other structure. Never to go near a car with someone in it; never to get into car without your permission. They should know in whose car they are allowed to ride. Warn your children that someone might try to lure them into a car by saying you said to pick them up. Tell them never to obey such instructions. (Code Word / Phrase)

10. Teach Your Children A stranger is someone they and you do not know very well. Never to tell anyone over the phone they are home alone. Never answer the door when home alone. Make sure that they know a neighbor they can call if someone tries to get into the house or if there is an emergency. To call (911 or your local police or sheriff’s number).

11. Teach Your Children To tell you if an adult asks them to keep a secret. No one has the right to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable. They have the right to say; no. To tell you if someone offers them gifts or money or wants to take their picture. To yell HELP, not just scream!

12. As Parents We Should Know your children’s friends. Never leave children unattended; never leave children in a car. Be involved in your children’s activities. Listen when your child tells you they do not want to be with someone; there may be a reason you should know about. Notice when some one shows your child a great deal of attention and find out why.

13. As Parents We Should Be sensitive to changes in your children’s behavior or attitudes. Encourage open communications. Never belittle any fear or concern your child may express to you. Take a photograph of your child each year (four times a year for children under age 2 ). Have a set plan with your child outlining what he/she should do if you become separated away from home.

14. As Parents We Should Do not buy items that have your child’s name on them such as hats, jackets, and t-shirts . An abductor could start up a friendly conversation with your child after reading the child’s name. Make a game of reading license plate numbers and remembering their colors. This will help children recognize the numbers and letters on license plates and their states of origin.

15. As Parents We Should Be sure the children’s daycare center or school will not release children to anyone but the children’s parents or persons they designate. Instruct the school to call you if your child is absent. All ages including teens (truancy / juvenile deliquescence) Hanging out with the wrong crowd Drug / alcohol abuse Boredom / curiosity = risky behavior & / or criminal activity

16. CRIMES COMMITTED BY CHILDREN “ CAR AND GARAGE HOPPING” IS A SERIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENSE WITH SERIOUS LIFE ALTERING CONSEQUENCES