Missing Children
A missing child is a parent’s worst nightmare. These cases are often complex, as are statistics, but the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says that in 2014, about 500,000 missing cases were entered into the criminal justice system.
TYPES OF MISSING CASES
There are a variety of ways a child can disappear. These include the classic abduction by a stranger, a family abduction, getting lost, or running away from home. Stranger danger, where a child is taken by someone they don’t know, is actually the least common, according to the center.
PROTECT YOUR CHILD
It’s hard to think about, but you need to be prepared in case your child is missing. Kits may be available from local law enforcement; check into getting one. Otherwise, keep plenty of current pictures of your child and a current written description, the center says. If law enforcement offers a fingerprinting program, do that, too.
PREVENTING ABDUCTION
A whopping 83 percent of children who took action to prevent an abduction got away, the center says. Here are some ideas to help your child avoid and respond to an unsafe situation:
• Always travel in groups;
• Warn them about accepting rides or changing plans without permission;
• Encourage them to look for escape routes and to tell adults of anything makes them uncomfortable; and
• Teach them to yell, scream, kick or otherwise try to get away and make a scene;.
FAMILY ABDUCTION
These are special cases when a child is taken by a family member, like a noncustodial parent or grandparent. Some warning signs of a family abduction are the family member threatening abduction, a history of domestic violence or child abuse and a history of marital issues. Watch for any preparations, like gathering records or selling a home. The center suggests the following tips for preventing a family abduction:
Having proper legal paperwork and legal representation. If a family member has threatened abduction, have your counsel present this evidence and ask the court to tailor a protection plan appropriate to your case.
Notify schools, daycares, camps and other places your child stays without you present. Clearly outline any protective orders and plans.
Flag passport applications for your child.