ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND CHILDREN ARE KIDNAPPED EACH YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES.
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD?

It's every parent's worst nightmare: A child is snatched from the playground in broad daylight never to be seen or heard from again. And it feels like it's happening all the time. Each year, between 200 and 300 kids are taken in "stereotypical" kidnappings (i.e. grabbed from their homes or playgrounds and then murdered or held for ransom), and 50 to 150 are murdered. Do your children know what to do if a stranger tries to lure them away? Do you know how to protect your child? Would you know how to find your child if she/he is missing? There are 3 reasons children become lost. Some may have simply wandered away, accidentally remaining gone longer than they meant to. Other children may run away. But still others are abducted by someone. Children, even older children and teenagers, don't have the judgment and experience of adults. "It's up to parents to take precautions to ensure the safety of our children," states Alan Breindel CEO of Secure Defense Systems, Inc in New Jersey.

Don't close your eyes to the danger. There really are people out there who want your children. The motive is usually sexual. Rarely are children taken because the kidnapper wants to love and care for the child. This is especially true of those who take in runaways. They offer what the teen wants, attention, acceptance, money, clothes but not without getting what they want in return. Don't think it is only the "stranger in the park", you need to be cautious about people you and your child already know. The vast majority of child abuse is by someone the child already trusts. Know who your child's friends are. Mr. Breindel point out that, "You've warned your child of strangers. But is your idea of a stranger the same as your child's? Does your child have friends you don't know? You may consider them strangers, but does your child? Don't make the child paranoid, afraid of every new person he sees, but don't put off the discussion. Repeat it frequently. Child abduction does happen."

Some families use a special code word. Choose a word that is known only to family members. Some kidnappers, especially non-custodial parents, will tell a child they were sent by his father or that they must come home because their mother is sick. Your child could then ask for the family code word, if the person doesn't know it, then the child would refuse to go with him. Alan Breindel states that, "a child should know that, although he should be polite and respectful to adults, he has a perfect right to say, "No" and not to do anything that makes him frightened or uncomfortable, or that is contrary to his parents' instructions. A child should be taught that he does not have to obey all adults." Talk to your children. Listen. Are there signals? Has your child had a change in mood, in temperament. Does he want to isolate himself? Has he become secretive? Does he talk less to you? Even different sleeping patterns and a loss of appetite can be a sign. And if a child talks about running away, listen!

Teach Your Children
" Always to take the same-and safest-route to and from school each day
" Use the "buddy" system. Always to be with a friend when they play, go to a store or movie-and not to go off alone
" Do not to let strangers touch them; do not to accept money or candy from strangers
" Never go along with or accept rides from someone they do not know
" Scream for help if a stranger tries to take them by force
" Report any unusual or scary incidents to parents or teachers
" Teach even young children how to use the telephone if they need help. (Do they know their own number, their full name and where they live?)
" Walk with your children to school or the bus stop. Point out areas that might not be safe. Play a game called "What if" by using pretend situations to help them decide how to react in a real emergency. Show them which houses they should go to if they need help.
" Don't let your children go to a shopping center by themselves.
" Your children should avoid public restrooms unless they are with a trusted adult.
" If your children should become lost inside a store or shopping center, tell them to go to a nearby clerk or security guard for help.
" It's best not to let your children wear clothing or carry articles with their names on them. A stranger may pretend to know them by calling their name and acting like a friend.

CRUCIAL PHOTOS AND RECORDS
On the back of the photo note the following current information for each child:
" Age
" Height and weight
" Hair and eye colors
" Clothing and shoe sizes
" Any distinguishing body marks
" Date picture was taken Know where each child's medical and dental X rays and records can be located. Obtain these before they are destroyed or you move to a distant location.
" Keep an up-to-date record of any medicines a child needs and what the effects will be if not taken.
" Take fingerprints of your child for positive identification in case of foul play or hidden identity. Fingerprinting each member of the family at the same time can allay a child's fear and such identification is useful to have.

Ploys a Kidnapper May Use

" A stranger asking a child for directions is always a sign of danger. Teach your kids to run away from an adult asking directions.

" Kidnappers often lure children by giving candy and inappropriate or expensive gifts. Warn your children that they should never take anything from a stranger.

" The "lost pet" ploy is a common trick used on children. Remind your kids never to help a stranger find a lost pet.

" Kidnappers sometimes pose as talent agents. Tell your children to stay away from strangers offering to take their picture for modeling, acting, sports scouting and beauty contests.

What can you do if your child is missing?
Mr. Breindel offers, "First, don't panic. Make a brief, reasonable search. Is he really missing. Check your home, his school, his close friends, neighbors. Then immediately report the situation to your local law-enforcement agency, giving them all the information you can. If there is a special missing persons or runaway divisions where your live, make sure they informed as well. Spread the word to all your child's friends and relatives." Perhaps your child will get in touch with them, or they may already know something. Sometimes the difference in finding a missing child depends on how many people know and are looking for the child. How many are alerted. Success in finding a missing child often depends on publicity-how many people know about it and are keeping an eye open for the child. In some areas there are special agencies with telephone hot lines for missing persons. In the United States the case can now be included in the FBI-operated NCIC (National Crime Information Center).