Most parents have concerns that their children can be abducted. However this is rare. Most child abductions  are done by family members and acquaintances .

You need to train your child to be aware of her surroundings. Teach her how to identify a treat  and how to react.

How to prevent child abduction

Some of the ways you can prevent abduction is to teach your children  to:

• Stay away from strangers . Explain to them what you mean by a stranger. Your children  should be thought a familiar face could be a stranger if they dont know him or her well.
• Run or scream if someone tries to push them in a car or tries to force them to go somewhere with them .
• Stay away from people who follow them on foot or in a car.
• ask for help when they are lost. If a child gets lost, he /she should go to a public area right away and ask somebody who works there for help
• memorize a secret code . Let your  children  know that they do not have to go anywhere with anybody unless the person can tell them the secret code
• let your  children  know that adults should not ask children for help such as helping them  find a puppy or for direction. If any stranger approaches you and ask for direction or help to  find something, tell them to wait so that you can ask your parents and then find your parents right away
• children need to ask permission from  parents or grown up in charge before going anywhere with anybody, or leaving play area or going to someone’s home. Children should not accept any unplanned rides from people they know or do not know
• always let your parents know the following :
  • where you’re going
  • who you’re going with
  • when you will get there
  • how you will get there
  • when you will be back

If you cant be home  at the agreed time, find a way to contact home directly.

Strategies that may prevent child abduction

• Take a closeup photograph of your child every 6 months. Know your child’s appearance such as weight, height , eye color, birthmarks, scars and  identifying mannerism
• have your child fingerprinted
• keep your child’s  medical and dental records up to date
• keep calm so that you can remember helpful hints
• avoiding dressing child with clothing that have their names on it. They will trust any adult  who knows their name
• dont leave a child in a car or stroller even for a minute
• prioritize internet safety. The internet is a place where predators stalk children.  Beware of your child’s online activities.
• choose caregivers such as nannies, baby sitters and childcare providers carefully. Do a thorough background and reference check on them
• make sure custody documents are in order

TAKE NOTE

It is important that kids know the following

• their names
• home address
• telephone numbers
• who to call in case of emergency

Review with the child how to use  911 or any local emergency numbers.

The first few hours of missing child cases are the most important . It is therefore important to provide officials with information about your child immediately. You may be asked to provide a recent photo of the child as well as the time and location you last saw your child and what your child was wearing.

It is important that you stay calm after reporting to authorities . This will help you remember important details.