NCJ Number
115976
Date Published
1988
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Each year many children disappear due to running away, kidnaping by a parent, or abduction by an unknown person, thus all missing children are at risk of being physically, mentally, and emotionally exploited.
Abstract
Parents can help protect their children by presenting safety information, setting and reviewing rules, encouraging their children, showing their love, and listening to their children. Safety rules should be made a top priority. Children should be taught rules such as keeping doors locked, not accepting gifts, avoiding strangers, not playing alone, informing parents of destinations and time of return home, and telling parents if others have suggested or done things that make the child feel uneasy. Parents and other members of the community can help keep children safe by establishing 'safe homes' in the neighborhood, forming a call-back program, organizing safety days, supporting legislation, or starting a safety and prevention program. If a child is missing, parents should call police and other officials, keep someone by the telephone, contact other organizations for help, and spread the word. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can provide information about organizations that can help locate missing children. It also offers prevention and education programs, a national clearinghouse, and a toll-free hotline.