Child Abduction

Child Abduction

What is child abduction? Child abduction is the unauthorized removal of a minor. It is a parents’ worst nightmare to discover their child has been abducted.

The first thing you need to do is to try and remain strong so that you can focus on getting through the following:

 

Immediately call (911) and all other local law enforcement agencies:

Immediately call 911. There is not a 24 or 48 hour waiting period in child abduction cases. Contact the local Police Department, County Sheriff, State Police, or Highway Patrol. You may also need to contact law enforcement in surrounding jurisdictions and the Border Patrol, if you believe your child’s abductor has or is travelling out of your local area.

In rare instances, there is resistance. If you come across any resistance, you must demand to speak to the watch commander and insist that they immediately take a report and enter the information into the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC).

 

 

Notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation:

If you suspect a predatory abduction, notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation so that an investigation involving a missing child of tender years (a child twelve years of age or younger, even though there is no known interstate aspect), can be initiated. The FBI has assistance from various entities including the FBI Laboratory, where they have written protocols, solid resources, and dedicated agents.

Visit www.beyondmissing.com:

Log onto or refer the responding law enforcement agency to registered law enforcement agencies can immediately create and distribute Missing Person flyers to other targeted law enforcement agencies. You can log on or refer the officer that responded to your case.

 

 

Record Incoming Calls:

Your child may try to contact you, so it is important to have Caller ID and record conversations. If you do not already have Caller ID, get it installed immediately. Have everyone that your child may contact also have Caller ID and make sure they also record conversations.

 

Notify the Media:

The local media (television and radio) can announce the child abduction. This increases the chances for recovery, by raising awareness.

 

Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrenat 1-800-THE-LOST.

Contact Team H.O.P.E. This is a useful support network for families affected by missing children. Contact this network at 1-800-306-6311.

If you believe that your child has run away: Contact the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-786 2929.

 

 

For more information on international and canadian child abduction, please go to:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/child-abductions_enlevements-enfants-eng