Having a child abducted by a stranger is not a thought that parents like to dwell on. Unfortunately, with thousands of children kidnapped each year by strangers, it is necessary for all parents and caregivers to be prepared with a plan of what to do should such a tragic event occur.
With the recent case of Jaycee Dugard, the 29 year old women who was abducted at the young age of 11, the time to look at proactive steps has once again resurfaced. Marisol Bello, USA Today correspondent wrote about the elation of being reunited with an abducted child who has finally returned home in his article entitled “Aunt: Kidnapped Girl 'Remembers all of us'”.
Contacting the Authorities
The very first step, according to Carol Orsag Madigan, author of Life’s Big Instruction Book, is to contact the local police department. Any information related to the abduction should be provided: include what the child was wearing, a recent photograph, and release dental records as soon as possible.
Insist that the police department enters the child’s information into a computer application known as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If resistance is met, according to Madigan, do not hesitate to contact the FBI to get this done, if necessary, under the Missing Children’s Act of 1982.
Another resource for missing children is to find out if the state has a clearinghouse. Ask the police department if this is available, and if so, ask the police to provide the child’s information to the clearinghouse.
Contacting Outside Resources
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has operators available (1-800-THE-LOST) to take down the missing child’s information. Other nonprofit organizations that can be reached out to include Operation Lookout/National Center for Missing Youth (1-800-LOOKOUT) and Missing Children Help Center (1-800-USA-KIDS). In the event of a parental abduction, Child Find of America (1-800-I-AM-LOST) is a good resource.
How Parents and the Community Can Actively Help
As soon as possible, print posters with as much information as possible and have them distributed immediately. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has resources to guide parents in this task.
Madigan also suggests notifying the child’s school, requesting notification if there are any inquiries into the child’s personal records. Contacting doctor’s offices with the same request can prove to be undoubtedly helpful. The Bureau of Vital Statistics should be contacted as well to place a flag on the missing child’s birth certificate.
In the instance of parental abduction, other legal steps can be taken, such as petitioning the court for custody and filing criminal charges against the abducting parent. For more detailed information on parental kidnappings, visit the Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website.
Having a child abducted can be one of the most frightening experiences in any parent’s life. Reaching out to organizations and being proactive will not only help in the search for a missing child, but also allow family and friends stay busy in a disheartening time period. Remember to utilize as many resources as possible, and keep a record of every step that is taken in the search, and do not be afraid to maintain an open line of communication with law enforcement.
According to Bello, Dugard’s aunt expressed that “the family is reconnecting and renewing family bonds that she says have not been broken in the 18 years that Jaycee has been missing”. As with the Dugard case, happy endings do happen. Read here for information on How to Recognize Signs of an Abducted Child.
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