UCCC Reach-In Procedure Document
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Because children
cannot look out for themselves, it is our responsibility to look out
for them. Every home and school should establish a program that
effectively teaches children about safety and protection measures.
As a parent, you should take an active interest in your children and listen to them. Teach your children that they can be assertive in order to protect themselves against abduction and exploitation. And, most important, make your home a place of trust and support that fulfills your child’s needs—so that he or she won’t seek love and support from someone else.
“Stay away from strangers”
is a popular warning to children to prevent
abduction or exploitation. Unfortunately, however, many children are
abducted or exploited by people who have some type of familiarity with
the children but who may or may not be known to the parents.
The term STRANGER suggests
a concept that children do not understand
and is one that ignores what we do know about the people who commit
crimes against children. It misleads children into believing that they
should be aware only of individuals who have an unusual or slovenly
appearance. Instead, it is more appropriate to teach our children to be
on the lookout for certain kinds of SITUATIONS
or ACTIONS rather than
certain kinds of individuals.
Children can be raised to be polite and friendly, but it is okay for
them to be suspicious of any adult asking for assistance. Children help
other children, but there is no need for them to be assisting adults.
Children should not be asked to keep special secrets from their parents
and, of course, children should not be asked to touch anyone in the
bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those
areas. Often exploiters or abductors initiate a seemingly innocent
contact with the victim. They may try to get to know the children and
befriend them. They use subtle approaches that both parents and
children should be aware of.
Children should learn to stay away from individuals in cars or vans; and they should know that it is okay to say NO—even to an adult. Remember, a clear, calm and reasonable message about SITUATIONS and ACTIONS to look out for is easier for a child to understand than a particular profile or image of a “stranger.”