Missing & Exploited Children Safety Tips

[bwsmom]

Got this in my e-mail from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. A quick message to parents about the recent wave of high-profile abductions, then some very appropriate and timely safety tips. For more info: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

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Washington, DC -- In light of the high profile abductions of 7-year-old Erica Pratt, 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart and other recent cases, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) encourages families not to panic. Instead, parents need to empower themselves with information that can help protect their children. “Every time we are faced with a high profile case that’s constantly making headlines, families are understandably frightened. But, they need to know these cases are very rare and parents can take measures to safeguard their kids,” says NCMEC President and CEO Ernie Allen.

Here are the Statistics:

1. Parental abductions and runaway cases make up the majority of missing children in the United States. In 2001 there were about 725,000 children reported missing, or nearly 2,000 per day. The vast majority of these cases were recovered quickly; however, the parent or guardian was concerned enough to contact law enforcement and they placed the child into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center – a computerized national database of criminal justice information. It is available to Federal, state and local law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies.

2. Each year there are about 3,000 to 5,000 non-family abductions reported to police, most of which are short term sexually-motivated cases. About 200 to 300 of these cases, or 6 percent, make up the most serious cases where the child was murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep.

Current NCMEC data indicates that the number of serious child abduction cases like Samantha and Elizabeth are consistent with last year’s numbers. However, The Center believes that these numbers are decreasing, projecting that there will be about 100 of these types of cases this year with nearly one-half resulting in the death of the child. “While we have had a number of stranger abductions this summer, we strongly believe that these types of cases are actually declining overall”, said Allen. “But, it is our sense that the sexual victimization of children is on the rise.” This is based on feedback from law enforcement around the country and cases submitted to NCMEC.

Allen stresses that crimes like these can happen anywhere, from a small town to a big city, so it is critical that parents arm themselves with important tips on how to keep their children safe. “Parents need to understand that supervision and communication are key to child protection.”

Safety Tips for Parents:

1) Be sure to go over the rules with your children about whose homes they can visit when you’re not there and discuss the boundaries of where they can and can’t go in the neighborhood.
2) Always listen to your children and keep the lines of communication open. Teach your children to get of out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away, and practice role-playing and basic safety skills with them.
3) Teach your children in whose car they may ride. Children should be cautioned never to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
4) Make sure children know their names, address, telephone numbers and how to use the telephone.
5) Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from family, friends and neighbors.

Safety Tips for Children:

1) Always check first with your parents or the person in charge before you go anywhere or do anything.
2) Always take a friend when you play or go somewhere.
3) Don’t be tricked by adults who offer you special treats or gifts or ask you for help.
4) Don’t be afraid to say no and get away from any situation that makes you feel comfortable or confused. Trust your feelings.
5) Don’t get into a car or go near a car with someone in it unless you are with your parents or a trusted adult. Never take a ride from someone without checking first with your parents.
6) Never go into a public restroom by yourself.
7) Never go alone to the mall, movies, video arcades or parks.
Stay safe when you’re home alone by keeping the door locked. Do not open the door for or talk to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative.


For more safety tips and additional child prevention education materials visit [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] NCMEC brochures such as Child Protection and Summer Safety Tips can be found under Education & Resources. For interviews with NCMEC President and CEO Ernie Allen, a leading expert in this field, call NCMEC Office of Public Affairs.

[Mouse7088]

Thanks! I think a lot of ppl. will find this valuable!