Are there sex offenders in your neighborhood?
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> Nation Alert Register
> Sex Offenders
Does you child have a Finger ID and DNA/Child Safety kit?
> Crime Prevention
> A Guide For Parrents
> KidSafe ID
> Who Is A Stranger And What Should I Do Explains how to deal with strangers in public places, on the telephone, and in cars.
> Not Everyone Is Nice This book helps parents address issues of what to do if approached by a stranger and safety steps the children can take.
> The Berenstain Bears Learn about Strangers "The Bears' rules for safe conduct among strangers are listed on the last pages, including a rule about the privacy of a bear's body. A good book to start awareness in young children.
> Safety Around Strangers This series offers young people strategies for protecting their physical and emotional health.
> Safety in Your Neighborhood Provides advice on getting to know neighbors; watching out for strangers in the neighborhood.
> It's My Body: A Book to Teach Young Children How to Resist Uncomfortable Touch written to help adults and preschool children talk about sexual abuse, this book emphasizes self-reliance and open communication.
> Your Body Belongs To You Explains what to say and do if someone touches your body when you do not want to be touched.
> Stanger Safety
> Safe From Harm
Did you know that, according to figures from the RCMP, approximately 186 children are reported missing each day in
The thought that a child could be taken or go missing is a very real fear that all of us, as parents, share. Naturally, we want to keep our children safe, but we can't watch over them 24 hours a day. I am frequently asked by parents for advice on what they can do to protect their children. I'd like to share some advice with you so you can reduce the risk that such a tragic event will ever befall your family.
First, teach your child his or her full name, address, phone number and your full name. That way, if they are ever lost, they can give this information to a police officer. You should also teach them how to dial 0 or 911 in the event of an emergency. After all, the sooner they can make that call for help, the better. Whether going to school, band practice or a friend's house, they should always follow the same route without taking any shortcuts.
A family password is another great idea to help protect your child. It should be something that is easy to learn and remember, and should be unique to your family. It could be tied to a special event- such as a birthday or vacation-or it could be your maiden or middle name.
Because there are bound to be times when your older children are home alone, there are a few simple rules they should follow. Make sure they understand not to let strangers in the house while you are gone. If someone calls, tell your kids to take a message, and that they should never say you are not home.
Safeguarding your kids when home alone is one thing, but how can you protect them when out in public at a mall, movie theatre or grocery store? One-way is to tell them to go to the information booth or checkout counter if you should become separated, and be sure your kids know where they are located. You should also tell the to yell and fight if a stranger should try to hurt them, or force them to go somewhere else. Creating a scene can prevent an attempted abduction.
One tip you may have heard from schools is to sew your child's personal information into their clothes or personal items, such as backpack. Unfortunately, a stranger can use this same information to assume the role of a family friend and gain the trust of a child. A better solution is to contact and register with a child identification service that will provide you with coded iron-on identification labels.
If the unthinkable should happen, and your child is missing or abducted, contact your local police force immediately. In this situation, a Child ID kit, in which the child’s fingerprints, recent picture, specific identification features as well as a hair sample, is truly the most helpful item parents can possess. In the event that this precaution has been overlooked, provide them with as much detail about your child as possible, including a recent photograph, a hair sample from a pillow or hairbrush and, if there is a search planned, a recently worn piece of clothing.
Finally, make the time to talk to your children regularly on ways to stay safe. It takes repetition and positive reinforcement for them to learn these tips. Activities and coloring books promoting safety are a very good idea for very young children, and the time you take to prepare them now will go a long way toward protecting them from harm in the future.
About The Author
Scott Irwin is the Marketing Director and Atlantic Regional Director for Child I.D. Labels inc., which has been protecting and providing ID for children and families across
scottirwin@childidatlantic.com
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