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  Missing & Exploited Children 

Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
 Urges Awareness Concerning Threat of Child Abduction

Child Safe Tips for Children

Child Safe Tips for Parents

   IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS TO TAKE AGAINST CHILD ABDUCTION

Child Safe Tips for Children

  1. Avoid wearing articles of apparel that may identify you to strangers:  This includes jewelry, barrettes, shoelaces, hats, sweaters or uniforms that may have your name on it.   If someone calls you by name that you don't know, be aware!

  2. Always tell your parents or the person in charge before going anywhere, where you will be and what time you expect to be back home, even if it’s close by and even if you’re with a friend.  If you miss a bus, tell a teacher or your principal.
  3. Don’t be fooled by adults who offer you special treats or gifts, or ask you for help or directions. ADULTS DO NOT NEED HELP FROM CHILDREN.  Don’t go near, or get into any car with someone you do not know—unless you are with your parent or a trusted adult. A frequent ploy would be to approach a child and ask for help trying to find a lost puppy.
  4. Never go alone to the mall, movies, arcades or parks--or into a public restroom by yourself.
  5. Don’t be afraid to say "NO" and get away from any situation or person that makes you feel uncomfortable or confused. If someone acts forcefully with you, scream LOUDLY for help and/or run away. 

  6. When you’re home alone, keep all doors locked. Don’t open the door for anyone unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative.  When answering the phone, never tell callers that your parents aren’t home. 

Child Safe Tips for Parents
  1. Teach your child his or her address, home telephone number, and any other numbers that will enable them to reach you at all times. In the event you are not accessible, provide them with a number of a trusted relative or friend. For an emergency only, teach them  how to call 9-1-1.
  2. Ensure your child is familiar with your neighborhood and is aware how to get home from school and other locations. Know your child’s schedule and set boundaries in regard to locations and times.
  3. Warn your child about approaching or entering any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by you or another trusted adult.
  4. Keep lines of communication open. Instruct your child on how to get of out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away, and practice role-playing.
  5. Be careful when putting your child’s name on clothing, jewelry, shoelaces, barrettes, hats, backpacks, lunch boxes or bicycle license plates. A first initial only with last name is advisable. If a child’s name is visible, it may put them on a "first name" basis with a potential abductor.
  6. Carefully choose babysitters, tutors, and workers at your home. Always obtain references.

In a recent survey released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and ADVO Inc., over 1/3 of the parents polled did not know the height, weight, and eye color of all their children. Three of the most essential details required by investigators in missing children cases. The Department of Justice estimates that there are approximately 2,100 new missing-children reports in the U.S. every day.

The first few hours after a child has been abducted are the most vital in the safe recovery of that child.  Therefore, it is strongly advised that parents or guardians maintain a file with fingerprints, dental records, and even DNA samples from their children.

Authorities are making headway in the abduction battle, thanks in large part to the launch of the high-profile AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alert system. Using television, radio, freeway signs and other media outlets, various government agencies are working in unison to inform the public as quickly as possible of a child’s abduction.

Have any tips you would like to share?   Link not working?  
Please contact: policeweb@townofberlin.com