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Preventing
Abductions:
Recent high-profile abductions have generated waves of fear in
the United States. The intense media coverage of these incidents
is vital for recovery, but it makes it seem as though children
are being stolen from their front yards and bedrooms on a daily
basis. According to the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children (NCMEC), the number of abductions in the
United States is not rising, but it's good to take precautions.
Regional AYSO leaders should share these suggestions form the
NCMEC with coaches, referees, volunteers and parents.
What
can coaches do to help?
1. Be aware of your surroundings
during practices and games, including parked cars and adults
lingering near fields.
2. Do not leave children alone after practices or games.
3. Encourage parents to stay for practices.
4. Speak with parents about proper drop off and pick up
procedures. Be familiar with family members who pick up your
team members.
Basic
Rules and Guidelines:
1. Know where your children are
at all times. Know your children's friends and be specific about
the places and homes they may visit. Require your children to
check in with you as they come and go and when there is a change
in plans. Follow the rule yourself so they know it is for safety
purposes and not just to "check-up" on them.
2. Never leave children unattended in an automobile, running or
not. Remind the children to never hitchhike, approach a car or
engage in a conversation with anyone in a car that they do not
know and trust, or go anywhere with anyone without permission.
3. Be involved in your children's activities. Meet their
teachers, coaches, friends, and friends' parents.
4. Pay attention if your children say they don't want to be with
someone or go somewhere. This may indicate more than just a
personality conflict or lack of interest.
5. Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great
deal of attention. Ask about the person and find out why that
person is acting in this way.
6. Teach your children that they have the right to say NO to any
unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by
others. Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens.
7. Be sensitive to any changes in your children's behavior or
attitude. Look and listen to small cues and clues that something
may be troubling your children. If your children do confide in
you, be calm and nonjudgmental.
8. Screen babysitters and caregivers. Check a public registry
for prior criminal records and sex offenses. Call references.
Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see
how your children are doing. Ask your children how the
experience with the caregiver was and listen carefully to their
responses.
9. Practice basic safety skills with your children. Take an
outing to a mall or park so your children can practice checking
with you. using pay telephones, going to the restroom with a
friend. and locating the adults who can help them.
10. Remember that there is no substitute for your attention and
supervision.
(Information
courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children www.ncmec.org)
Talking to children about safety:
1. Avoid scare
tactics when discussing personal safety. Reassure your child
that most people are kind and safe. Those who are not are the
exception.
2. Teach your child basic sex education, i.e., the areas of the
body covered by a bathing suit are private.
3. Instill within your child a sense of self-worth at every
opportunity.
4. Develop strong communication skills with your children.
Explain the importance of reporting abuse to you or another
trusted adult.
5. Establish that sexual abuse is a crime. This gives children
the confidence to assert themselves with those who try to abuse
them.
6. Allow children to express affection on their own terms. Do
not instruct them to "Give Uncle Jimmy a kiss" or "give Aunt
Susan a hug".
7. Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially
those involving an adult.
8. Stress the importance of reporting rumors of threats of
violence including bomb threats and weapon possession by
schoolmates. Reinforce that reporting can be done anonymously,
but that school officials must be told for the safety of
everyone.
9. Above all, encourage children to recognize, trust and follow
their instincts -- and listen to your own instincts. If a
situation or person makes you or your child uneasy, believe in
your feelings and act on them.
(Source:
Child Lures Prevention. For more information, visit
www.childlures.com to
purchase the Child Lures Parent Guide.)
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