KEEPING KIDS SAFE

Checklist for Parents:

• Can your child recite their name, address and phone number?

• Does your child understand not to get into a car with a stranger?

• If you must send someone to pick up your child do you have a secret code word that your child knows to ask for before getting into the car?

• Does your child know not to get into cars or go into the houses of neighbors they don’t know very well? (Be sure to review a list of acceptable neighbors).

• Does your child know that if they are lost or in danger and can locate a pay phone they can dial 911 without needing money?

• Does your child know not to go into a public restroom alone?

• Does your child know to be as loud as possible if he or she is in danger.

• Does your child know that it is okay to say “no” to adults?

• Does your child know that it is okay to use physical violence, such as kicking, if he or she needs to protect themselves from harm?

• Does your child know to never exit an area (such as a store, the mall or the zoo), even if the person helping asks them to step outside?

• Does your child know to approach uniformed personnel if he or she is in danger?

• Does your child know the body parts that are unacceptable for others to touch?

• Does your child know to shout “NO” or “STOP” if someone touches him or her inappropriately?

• Does your child understand that even trusted people shouldn’t ask him or her to do something that makes him or her uncomfortable?

Other Important Tips:

·
Never leave your child unattended in the car.

· Be sure to know your child’s friends and their parents. Have a list with the phone numbers and addresses.

· Know the route your child takes from school to home.

· Know where your child is after school.

· Designate “safe” houses in your neighborhood where your child may go if he or she is being harassed or followed.

· Be involved with your child’s after-school activities.

· Always carry a current photo of your child.

· Always observe what your child is wearing on a daily basis.

· Have a record of your child’s fingerprints.

· Never print a child’s name on clothing or use nametags in public.

· If your child seems uncomfortable and doesn’t want to be with someone, find out why – pursue until you find the reason.

· Always perform a reference and background check on a new caregiver.

· Tell your child that if they ever get lost you will look for them for as long as it takes.