CHILD SAFETY
As the spring and summer weather approach your children will out and about in the neighborhood more than in winter. This time of the year raises the concern of parents that their child could be kidnapped or abducted. Many parents wonder what they can do to try and reduce this possibility. Listed below are some helpful tips you can follow to reduce this danger. To get more information please utilize the links listed at the bottom of the page for information from both New York State and the United States Department of Justice.
CHILD SAFETY TIPS:
1. The best tip to follow is to know where your kids are at all times. Know who they are with and what they are supposed to be doing. Make sure the adult that is supervising them is someone you know and trust. Most children that are abused or injured are victims of people that they know, not strangers.
2. Talk frequently with your kids about what they did that day. Talk with them in a calm voice and have them tell you if they were afraid to do something or if someone had them do something they felt was not right. If your child is fearful of something don't brush it off. Talk with them in a calm voice about the situation and help them get through it. If you feel the situation was dangerous, call the police.
3. Kids are able to start to understand things that are going on in their world when they start to put together sentences and ideas verbally. When they can do this you should start to talk with them about right and wrong. Use situations that come up as "teachable moments" to allow you kids to see what you are talking about. When at a family outing or party start the practice of having your child check in with you on a regular basis such as every half hour or so even if you can see them. This instills in your child the behavior of checking in with you at times that they are away from you and the safety of your home.
4. Never leave you child unattended in a public place. Don't leave them in the car and run into a store. They can be in danger and it may be against the law. Endangering the welfare of a child is a crime in New York State and you will be arrested.
5. Teach your children that they have the right to say no if they feel uncomfortable. If they get forced to do something tell them it is okay to come and tell you even if the person that forced them to do something is a friend or close friend, neighbor or relative.
6. Develop a "safety net" for your children. If they come home and you are gone, make sure they know where to go. Have a secret password for your children to know when an emergency arises and you need to send a neighbor or friend to get them at school or off the bus. Tell your children to not go with the adult unless they know the secret password.
7. Tell your kids to not accept any gifts from anyone unless they check with you first. The lure of candy or snacks is a common way that potential abductors and abusers gain the control of a young child.
8. Finally remember that as your children gets older the risks remain. Teenagers are at risk also to be lured in by an abductor or abuser that has a deviate mind. Talk with your children as they grow up and learn about what they are doing, where they are going and who they are with. You may think that as your child get older the problems get smaller. The truth is they do not. Kids of all ages need your support and guidance. Be there for them.
RETURN TO JUVENILE BUREAU PAGE
NYS DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES