Lynn T: Is there a file to download or a kit you can purchase on what to keep on file, should your child be missing?
JW: Realizing that your child may be missing is one of the scariest things that a parent can experience. I pray this never happens to you, but if it does, you have to act fast. Fortunately, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined a number of steps you can take right now to be prepared for the worst. They include:
- Keep a complete description of your child. Include details about height, weight, and date of birth, but also unique features, such as glasses, braces, birthmarks or scars.
- Take color photos of your kids every six months, and keep current video of your child. If your child goes missing, you’ll want to get the local media involved, and you need to make sure newspapers get a current photo, and television stations are able to broadcast recent video.
- Think about keeping a DNA sample from your child. There are DNA collection kits available, but a really easy way is to save an old toothbrush that your child has used, or save their baby teeth.
NCMEC offers a brochure on their website that you can download for more information and tips on what you need to know in case the worst happens. Here’s a link to get you started.
8 Comments on "How Can I Be Prepared In Case My Child Goes Missing?"
sandra jones
I am very glad to see this information on what to do
if your kid goes missing. Recently my daughter and my 6yr old granddaughter where taken and being human traffick. I tried to call the media but they were not interested. They are back home now thanks to two couragious officers who drove 4 hours to get back the 6 yr old & negotiated there release with the man who took them. They were his 6th victim and he is still out there doing the same thing no charges against him sticks.
Jeanie
I have 3 children. My most important thing is to keep them safe. however, my concern is also about my sister who has 2 young children and went to a shelter for women in domestic violence cases. She went there to grt away from her youngest baby’s father. He has in the past been violent toward her and made threats to her life. The police are well aware but basically can’t do anything until he makes a move. Recently we (the familiy) got news that she is in contact again with him. I know he is trying to lure her to be with him so he can continue his abuse. What can I do to protect her from harm in case he tries to do something to her?
cascade
My child and I are out of domestic violence ourselves. I read and am heartbroken because in many cases, the women go back. Orders of protection only work if used, and sometimes even then they only seem like paper.” But they do help.” The abused person has to know and decide in their heart and soul its over, other wise its a waste of court and other resources. I have a step daughter who had an order of protection against an ex-boyfriend, the order of protection was for her 5yr. old son who the boyfriend was beating.She went back to him, behind the order only to have her son almost killed. I wasn’t aware of this till after.She won’t talk with me, I’m just glad the real dad took an active roll in this. I have been an free lance advocate against domestic violence. Even taking in several different people as they waited for room in the local shelter.Until they decide it’s time to never go back ….be prepared for relapse, and a lot of heart wrenching concern. What I share may seem unheartfilled,and cold. But as a woman who went back, years ago, I can say, I wanted out with almost all my might. It wasn’t until I wanted out with all my might.
cyndi
The FIRST AND FOREMOST concern for any human being is the HEALTH AND WELFARE OF ALL CHILDREN IN THIS WORLD. If you know or even suspect any abuse whether it be PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, EMOTIONAL ABUSE being inflicted on a child - REPORT IT!!!!!!!!!! DONT TURN YOUR HEAD THE OTHER WAY!!!! THAT IS BEING PURE SELFISH!! (THAT WAS A NICE WAY OF PUTTING IT). STAND UP FOR THE INNOCENT ONES WHO CANNOT STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES - SO YOU CAN GET THIS CHILD/REN TO SAFETY!!
tony
I THINK THAT ANY PROGRAM THAT HELPS ANY KID IN NEED IS WORTH IT, BUT IT WILL ONLY WORK IF WE MAKE IT WORK, BY REPORTING ANY AND ALL ABUSE OF ANY KID THAT NEEDS IT, THINK ABOUNT THIS WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO YOUR KID, IF YOU DID KNOW YOU WOULD HURT THAT PERSON TO NO END. WELL TAKE THAT “NO END” AND USE IT FOR OTHER KIDS THAT MAY NEED IT NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON ANY KID THAT NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!!! WE NEED THEM JUST LIKE THEY NEED US. THEY WILL BE THE ONES LEFT AFTER WE ARE GONE, THEY WILL CARRY ON WHAT WE DIDNT DO, AND IF THAT KID COULD NOT DO THIS BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM OR HER WHEN THEY WERE KIDS WHO ARE WE TO BLAME????? THE BLAME WILL TO THE PERSON THAT SAW OR KNEW ABOUT THE ABUSE THAT KID WAS GOING THROUGH BUT FAILED TO REPORT IT. THE BLAME WILL BE ON HIM OR HER OR THEY!!!! SO LETS DO ARE PART AND REPORT ANY ALL ABUSE OF KIDS AND ARE ELDERLY AS WELL.
cascade
Thank you for your support for children. Like I shared, my step dughter refused to talk to me , after I had left their dad because of abuse, She is now in a better place in life. Which means her kids are as well. ( the courts said so,) Children are our future, the ones who will run and rule this land of ours. If they are not healthy, mentally and physically. What kind of life will it be?
Emily
Sandra Jones,
The most important thing to do now is make sure you keep your childrens stories out there. Place there story on Youtube, or a newspaper. Was your children trafficked inside the US? Many don’t realize the depth of human trafficking, and don’t take it serously. Your story could help save another child from it!
cascade
Dear Tony;
Thank you for sharing about the elderly, Their rights are even more horrible than children’s rights are.
Please Leave a Comment!