Important Things we as Adults Can Do to Greatly Reduce the Number of Missing Children and Prevent Child Abuse Is:
1) Stop, Look and Listen. Pay close attention to what the child is saying or avoiding.
2) Observe at how the child is acting & reacting around specific people and when they believe they are alone.
3) If there is any noted abnormal behavior in the child suggestive of violence or fear, or any alarming change in how they normally should or would respond, we must investigate this immediately.
4) If there are any tale tell signs of possible physical abuse, we must immediately respond by investigating, and engaging a professional if necessary. Often these signs may be "hidden" in covered areas that are not obvious.
5) Be aware of our surroundings and the child's surroundings at all times. Remove them from potentially harmful situations.
6) Make unexpected, unannounced appearances when your own child is at the caretakers or at another person's home. Yes, this may be difficult to do at times, but This Is Very Important! The abuser is very attentive to schedules and harm is done when they feel they are not going to be disturbed.
7) Let the child know that we accept what they have to say without a judgmental or discrediting manner. Encourage open communication.
8) Most Important of All is to let them know that they are Loved; allowing them to feel Safe and Protected by our supportive presence and the overseeing of their Care.
2) Observe at how the child is acting & reacting around specific people and when they believe they are alone.
3) If there is any noted abnormal behavior in the child suggestive of violence or fear, or any alarming change in how they normally should or would respond, we must investigate this immediately.
4) If there are any tale tell signs of possible physical abuse, we must immediately respond by investigating, and engaging a professional if necessary. Often these signs may be "hidden" in covered areas that are not obvious.
5) Be aware of our surroundings and the child's surroundings at all times. Remove them from potentially harmful situations.
6) Make unexpected, unannounced appearances when your own child is at the caretakers or at another person's home. Yes, this may be difficult to do at times, but This Is Very Important! The abuser is very attentive to schedules and harm is done when they feel they are not going to be disturbed.
7) Let the child know that we accept what they have to say without a judgmental or discrediting manner. Encourage open communication.
8) Most Important of All is to let them know that they are Loved; allowing them to feel Safe and Protected by our supportive presence and the overseeing of their Care.
Cheryl E Gordon
2/23/10
