| Safety Tips |
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One of the most important tools for law enforcement to use in the case of a
missing child is an up-to-date, good-quality photograph. Noted below are
some tips for parents and guardians regarding such a photograph.
The photograph should be a recent, head-and-shoulders color photograph of
the child in which the face is clearly seen. It should be of ”school-portrait”
quality, and the background should be plain or solid so it does not distract
from the subject.
When possible the photograph should be in a digitized form, and available
on a compact disk (CD), as opposed to just a hard copy. This minimizes the
time necessary to scan, resize, and make color corrects before
disseminating it to law enforcement.
The photograph should be an accurate depiction of the child, not overly
posed or “glamorized.” Nor should other people, animals, or objects be in
the photograph. The photograph should not be taken outside, out of focus,
torn, damaged, or very small.
The photograph should have space for accurate, narrative description useful
to identify the child such as name, nickname, height, weight, sex, age, eye
color, identifying marks, glasses, and braces.
The photograph should be updated at least every six months for children 6
years of age or younger and then once a year, or when a child's appearance
changes.
All copies of child’s photograph and information should be maintained in an
easily accessible, secure space by the parents or guardian. The photograph
and data should not be stored in a public database.
missing child is an up-to-date, good-quality photograph. Noted below are
some tips for parents and guardians regarding such a photograph.
The photograph should be a recent, head-and-shoulders color photograph of
the child in which the face is clearly seen. It should be of ”school-portrait”
quality, and the background should be plain or solid so it does not distract
from the subject.
When possible the photograph should be in a digitized form, and available
on a compact disk (CD), as opposed to just a hard copy. This minimizes the
time necessary to scan, resize, and make color corrects before
disseminating it to law enforcement.
The photograph should be an accurate depiction of the child, not overly
posed or “glamorized.” Nor should other people, animals, or objects be in
the photograph. The photograph should not be taken outside, out of focus,
torn, damaged, or very small.
The photograph should have space for accurate, narrative description useful
to identify the child such as name, nickname, height, weight, sex, age, eye
color, identifying marks, glasses, and braces.
The photograph should be updated at least every six months for children 6
years of age or younger and then once a year, or when a child's appearance
changes.
All copies of child’s photograph and information should be maintained in an
easily accessible, secure space by the parents or guardian. The photograph
and data should not be stored in a public database.
| The above information was copied directly from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Amber Stick satisfies all of the listed tips and recommendations. Click below to return to our Amber Stick page. |
| The Importance of Having a Good Photo of Your Child |
| Most of the people in the world are good and helpful! You cannot tell what a person is like on the inside of the heart and mind by looking at the outside of the body, so you must follow these safety CHECK-POINTS all of the time. 1) CHECK FIRST before you go anywhere with anyone (for any reason at any time)! Check with the adult who is in charge of you at the time. If you cannot check, then the answer is NO! 2) Adults can get help from other adults. You do not need to help anyone find a lost puppy, unload a truck, etc., unless you Check First. 3) Know your full name, address (including state), and telephone number with the area code. Know your parents' names, too. 4) If you are separated in a store, Freeze and Yell your parent's or guardian's first and last name. You may ask a clerk or parent with children to go get help for you, but stay where you are. 5) If anyone tries to move or hurt you, make sure you scream, kick, fight, and yell, “You're not my dad (or mom)!” 6) Use the buddy system; go in groups. 7) You are in charge of your body. No one has the right to touch you or talk about your body in a way that is wrong or that makes you feel uncomfortable. Use the Power NO, and then tell someone. 8) If you find a gun, do not touch it. Get away from it and tell someone. If a friend wants you to touch or hold a gun, use the Power NO. Use the Power NO (and Refusal Skills) for bullies, dares, and drugs, too. 9) When you are home alone, keep the door locked and closed for everyone. Let the phone ring, use caller ID or the answering machine, or work out a system with your parents so that no one realizes you are home alone. 10) When you are on the Internet, keep personal information to yourself! Ask your parents which sites you can visit. 11) Be a Kind and Caring Kid! Use non-violent words and actions. 12) Be a STAR and tell an adult if you think that something is wrong or someone could get hurt. It is not snitching----it is Responsible Reporting! Make good choices! Follow these "CHECK-POINTS" and you'll stay safe!!! Used with the permission of Safety Kids, Inc. |
| Safety Check-Points for Kids |
1) Tell your child that you will love him or her unconditionally, no matter what happens. You may not like his or her actions or words, but you still love the child. 2) Teach your child safety tips in small, repeated, positive doses. Avoid using the word stranger! Children think they know people more than they actually do, and the term stranger is ineffective. Most children are molested, abused, abducted, or exploited by someone they know. Remind your child always to CHECK FIRST before going anywhere with anyone! 3) Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle! It can take as little as three seconds for someone to steal the car; the inside temperature may be harmful; the child may release the brake. You are also subject to a fine! 4) Give your young child the names of two Safety Persons who can always be trusted for rides, help, etc. Use a code word with children older than third grade. 5) Monitor what your child is doing on the computer! Instruct him or her not to give out personal information on the Internet or to make arrangements to meet in person someone he or she met online. Make sure your child knows how to be '"cyber-safe." 6) Remind your child that he or she is in charge of his or her body, and no one has the right to touch or talk about this body in a way that is inappropriate or makes the child feel uncomfortable. 7) ASK if there are guns in the house where your child is going to play. Discuss gun safety with your child. 8) Update photos four times a year for preschoolers and once a year after that. Keep a Child Profile booklet and Personal ID Kit up-to-date with important data about your child. 9) Have your child wear items with his or her name on them only inside the house. Children are more likely to trust someone who calls them by name. Know what your child is wearing each day in case you need to describe him or her. 10) Teach your child to be kind and tolerant of others. Children need to understand and accept others who are different from them. Model this behavior yourself. 11) Be alert to situations around you involving other children. Pay attention to people and details. 12) "Watch my child, and I'll watch yours." Every Child is a Blessing! Used with the permission of Safety Kids, Inc. |
| Safety Check-Points for Parents |