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An electronic publication of Survivors And Victims Empowered |
Volume 2, Issue 28
July 16, 2009 |
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Digital pictures are extremely valuable tools in quickly locating a child who may have disappeared at a crowded shopping mall or sporting venue. Every season, take a fresh picture of your child or grandchild in a cell phone and save it. Save a picture in a jacket and in a winter coat. It will make it much easier for store personnel to recognize the child quickly.
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Rate your child's safety
Take a moment to determine whether or not your child is able to accomplish the following items.
| YES/NO | |
| _________ 1. | Recite his or her full name, address and telephone number including area code, city and state and know not to divulge this information to a stranger or passerby? |
| _________ 2. | Use a phone to make a long distance call, dial direct or get operator assistance? |
| _________ 3. | Does your child know to NEVER enter anyone's home without your permission? |
| _________ 4. | Know of any certain home where they are NOT to enter under any circumstances? |
| _________ 5. | If separated from you in a store, would your child go to the nearest check-out clerk? |
| _________ 6. | Could he or she verify that the person is in fact an employee of the store? |
| _________ 7. | Would he or she know not to go into the parking lot either alone or if encouraged by an adult? |
| _________ 8. | Know always when playing with others to go places on the "buddy-system?" |
| _________ 9. | Know that adults seldom ask for directions from children and that if approached by a car, they should never go near or get in an automobile with a stranger? |
| _________ 10. | Does your child know not to accept rides from a stranger or even acquaintances without your specific permission? |
| _________ 11. | If followed by an adult or stranger, would your child know to proceed immediately to a place where there are other people; e.g., a store or a neighbor's house |
| _________ 12. | If home alone, knows not to answer the door or tell anyone over the phone that he or she is alone? (Obviously, a young child should never be left alone.) |
| _________ 13. | Would your child yell "NO" or "911" and create a scene in public if he or she were being subjected to bad touches? |
| _________ 14. | Would your child report to you if asked by an adult to keep a secret from you? |
| _________ 15. | Do you and your child have a code word to exchange if your plans change? |
| _________ 16. | Does your child know never to talk or accept gifts of any kind from strangers? |
Every "NO" answer indicates an area of risk for your child. It is probably a good idea to ask your child these questions in a modified form as an added precaution.
IF YOUR CHILD IS MISSING
- CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.
- GIVE AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION, ALSO WHAT HE OR SHE IS WEARING.
- KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILD WAS LAST SEEN AND IN WHOSE COMPANY.
- HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS AVAILABLE (FIVE OR MORE).
- HAVE FINGERPRINTS AVAILABLE.
- STAY CALM.
Reminder of the week: Experts recommend that parents take pictures of children two and under at least 4 times a year and that they take pictures of older preschoolers twice a year. Once your child starts school, an annual school picture is sufficient. If you havent taken a picture of your child recently, it is time to take one now. Know where to find the pictures in an emergency. Having a digital copy of the photograph would greatly assist law enforcement if your child is ever missing.
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© 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,2011 Survivors And Victims Empowered, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
No part of this publication may be reprinted without permission unless used in an article reviewing this publication. The organizations listed within this publication are not necessarily endorsed by Survivors And Victims Empowered.
Survivors And Victims Empowered
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Manheim, PA 17545
Correspondence should continue to be addressed to:
P. O. Box 8875
Lancaster, PA 17604-8875
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