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Missing Children SA
About Missing Children SA
Missing Children SA is a project undertaken by concerned and compassionate South Africans aimed at assisting those most vulnerable in our society, our children if they need help. It is a known fact that the first 24 hours are crucial when a child disappears. We have looked at various systems all over the world and have based our program on the American Amber Alert system. When a child goes missing we engage with radio stations, newspapers, websites and others to get the information available to the general public. We also will print flyers and share it with our volunteers to assist. With this information being released while the trail is still hot, the chances of success are much greater and that is where our volunteers come in. The more people on the lookout, the better become the chances of pertinent information being made available to the police. Once the community gets involved criminals will find that they will be hunted relentlessly - not only by the police.
SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS -
Excerpts from the Missing Children SA website
- Always be aware of who your child's friends are and where they live
- Keep your child within view
- Do not leave your child in an unattended car.
- Do not mark a small child's clothes with any names that are visible. Children tend to trust adults who know their names.
- Teach your child to always opt for the direct and safest way home. That way you will also know where to look for your child.
- Teach your child to walk with friends and play in their company.
- Teach your child what constitutes improper behaviour and how they should react to it should it happen.
- Teach your child never to accept a lift, presents or money from strangers.
- Teach your child to shout loudly if someone should try and take the child by force.
- Teach your child what is unusual behaviour on the part of strangers and report it to the parent(s) or other adults in control
- Children should be taught how to use a telephone and know their personal emergency numbers, such as those of parents and 0860010111.
- A child should be taught never to divulge personal information or about their parents or relatives to strangers.
- Never leave a child waiting for any extended period of time at school or at a shopping mall. Advise the school if you are late and let the child wait in a safe place.
If the unthinkable occurs - - - your child disappears
- Do not panic
- Make a brief search to ensure that the child is indeed missing.
- Proceed home and ensure there and enquire from the school, nearby friends and neighbours that the child is not with them.
- Don't ask children to help in the search. They may disappear as well.
- Report the disappearance of the child to the nearest police station without delay.The story that you should wait for 24 hours has no foundation at all. Do not be fooled by that.
- Take a recent photograph of your child when reporting the disappearance of your child when you go to the police.
- Provide the police with an accurate and complete physical description.
- Advise the police of the clothes the child was last seen wearing or whether any clothes appear to be missing.
- Ensure that SAPS provide you with a reference number and contact name and number of the SAPS member(s) who will handle the case.
- Leave a responsible person at home to handle calls.
- Should any new information become available report this immediately to the SAPS investigating officer handling the matter.
- Finally, contact Missing Children SA at info@missingchildren.co.za or by telephone on 072-MISSING or 072-6477-464. They will help organising a search party in your neighbourhood.
When Finding a Missing Child
- If a missing child is recovered at a shopping mall, take the child to the security office.
- If the child is recovered in te street, take the child to the nearest police station.
- Leave an adult to man the place where the child was found so the parents may be advised where the child is held in custody.
- Record the name and contact details of the person or SAPS officer into whose charge the recovered child was handed over.
- Calm the child by assuring him/her that he/she will be safe now.
Website: www.missingchildren.co.za |
