Missing Children: Safety Practices for Home, School and Community

District Office
2488 Grand Concourse
Suite 310-11
Bronx, NY 10458
718-933-6909

Albany Office
Room 921 LOB
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5511

E-mail
castronl@assembly.state.ny.us

Dear Parent:

While we do not want to scare our children, as parents we must communicate openly and honestly with our children about the dangers they face in the world today. That’s why I urge you to take the time to read this brochure and share the information with friends, babysitters, teachers and especially your children.

Child abduction can happen to any family — from suburban areas to inner-city neighborhoods to rural communities. As adults, we must fight to prevent abductions by raising public awareness and incorporating a few simple safety precautions into our everyday lives. This brochure will help prepare our children for the obstacles they may encounter, but more importantly, it will help prevent tragedies before they have a chance to occur.

Sincerely,
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What Should I Do As A Parent?

Know where your children are at all times
Tell your children if anything happens, you will look for them no matter how long it takes to find them
Never leave your children alone or unattended at home or in the car
Find safe ways to and from school and friends’ homes
If someone seems to show your children a great deal of attention every day, find out why
Never let your children go to a public restroom alone
Be sure your child’s school or day care center phones you if your child is absent, and does not release your child to anyone but you or someone designated by you
Never put your child’s name, which provides an easy way for strangers to call to them, on their clothes or belongings
Make a mental note of what your children are wearing
Make arrangements for and with your children in case of emergency
Don’t forget your older children. Children aged 11 to 17 are also at risk. As you give your older children more freedom, be sure they understand important safety rules as well

What Should I Teach My Children?

To know their name, address, telephone number and your names
To always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone they know
To always check first with you or a trusted adult before accepting anything from anyone, even from someone they know
Take a friend with them when they go places or play outside
Say no if someone tries to touch them or treat them in a way that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused
They can tell you or a trusted adult if they feel scared, uncomfortable or confused
It is more important to get out of a threatening situation than it is to be polite
It’s okay to say no and there will always be someone who can help them
They are strong, smart and have the right to be safe
There are boundaries to where they may go, persons they may see and things they may do

What Rights Do I Have As A Parent?

Go to the police and get them involved in the case
Know what is being done
Get your child’s name listed as a missing person with local police and the FBI
Contact the media
Get a warrant for arrest of non-custodial parent if suspected of kidnapping

What Rights Do My Children Have?

Run away from a stranger and scream or call for help, if necessary
Tell you if an adult asks them to keep a “secret”
Not to be touched or made to feel uncomfortable
Ignore questions or demands from strangers
Say “no” to an offer from a stranger