"A Child Is Missing..."

"Girl: We Tried to Kill Kidnapper"
Two Teens Were Reportedly Minutes Away from Death; Suspect Killed
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 - The two teenage girls kidnapped from a lovers' lane outside Los Angeles tried to kill their captor.

"Teens Rescued-Kidnapped Girls Safe After Shootout"
Two California teens kidnapped at gunpoint from a lovers' lane were rescued on Thursday after a dramatic shootout. Police shot and killed kidnapper Roy Ratliff, a wanted rapist, who they say sexually assaulted the girls and was just minutes away from killing them.

"Kidnap Survivors' Grief"
July 26 - Erica Pratt, Mary Katherine Smart and Sarah Ahn are all kidnapping survivors, but their battles to put their ordeals behind them are just beginning.

"Missing Chinese Girl Is Found Safe"
Chinese Girl Who Disappeared in San Francisco Is Found Safe With Relatives in Massachusetts
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 4 - A 12-year-old Chinese girl missing for two days was found Saturday with relatives in Massachusetts after disappearing from her youth tour group, authorities said.
The FBI is trying to determine whether there was an abduction or not.

***

Everyday we hear and read about these horror stories. Little children, innocent children become the victims in the hands of those that are supposed to be human beings.

Children, with their simple reasoning, their honest true way of dealing with things. Their indescribable beautiful eyes should never have to face the cruelty and the evil of such beings.

Using force and power over small helpless kids? Taking advantage of their position? No way, no one has the right to tear up, not only, their helpless bodies, their pure hearts, their souls and minds. Taking away the dreams and the wonderful world of childhood is the worst of all.

Scarves that will not heal. What about the rest of the family and the people surrounding them?

Following are some helpful tips, but no matter how hard we try, no matter how much we try to protect our children, we must give them our precious time, we must listen to them, give them all the support they need, give them our unconditional love, care and affection.

All the children of the world, no matter where or who, no matter color or race, are all our children...

Keep Your Kids Safe
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Offers Tips

Make sure you know where each of your children is at all times. Know your children’s friends and be clear with your children about the places and homes they may visit. Make it a rule that your children check in with you when they arrive at or depart from a particular location and when there is a change in plans. You should also let them know when you’re running late or if your plans have changed so that they can see that the rule is for safety purposes and not being used to “check up” on them.

Never leave children unattended in an automobile, whether it is running or not. Children should never be left unsupervised or allowed to spend time alone with others in automobiles, as the potential dangers to their safety outweigh any perceived convenience or “fun.” Remind children to never hitchhike, approach a car or engage in a conversation with anyone within a car that they do not know and trust, or go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.

Be involved in your children’s activities. As an active participant you’ll have a better opportunity to observe how the adults in charge interact with your children. If you are concerned about anyone’s behaviour, take it up with the sponsoring organization.

Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you that they don’t want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may be an indication of more than a personality conflict or lack of interest in the activity or event.

Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts. Take the time to talk to your children about the person and find out why the person is acting in this way.

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. Reassure them that you’re there to help and it is OK to tell you anything.

Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behaviour or attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener. Look and listen to small cues and clues that something may be troubling your children, because children are not always comfortable disclosing disturbing events or feelings. This may be because they are concerned about your reaction to their problems. If your children do confide problems to you, strive to remain calm, non critical, and non judgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern, and work with them to get the help they need to resolve the problem.

Be sure to screen babysitters and caregivers. Many states now have a public registry that allows parents to check out individuals for prior criminal records and sex offences. Check out references with other families who have used the caregiver or babysitter. 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 the responses.

Practice basic safety skills with your children. Make an outing to a mall or park a “teachable” experience in which your children can practice checking with you, using pay telephones, going to the restroom with a friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need assistance. Remember that allowing your children to wear clothing or carry items in public on which their names is displayed can bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for a way to start a conversation with your children.

Remember that there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.

Tag: Keeping in Mind the Safety of our Children