(Copyright 1999)
Bellman Communications
All Rights Reserved
H.E.L.P. YOUR CHILD NOT TO BE A VICTIM:
H.E.L.P is a way to teach your child to be safe and avoid being a victim of child abduction.
(H) - HAVE an escape plan.
(E) - EVALUATE your options.
(L) - LOCATE a safe place.
(P) - PREPARE yourself.
(H) - HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN:
HAVE an escape plan in place with your child. Discuss with them what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure that your child knows how to use the telephone to dial 911. Make sure that your child always carries enough change with him or her to make a telephone call in case of emergency. HAVE several safe locations nearby where your child can go in case of an emergency, such as a relatives house or a neighbors home or apartment. Discuss the escape plan with friends and family members.
(E) - EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS:
Your child should be taught to quickly assess the situation they are in and EVALUATE all of the options that might present themselves. One of the best ways to teach your child this skill is through role playing. Present a variety of situations to them and see how well they EVALUATE the situation and whether they choose the best available option for the particular situation. This will hone their decision making skills and enhance their awareness skills. They should be taught and encouraged to be clever and create their own options and opportunities if at all possible. Remember to educate your child to the fact that situations quickly change and so do their options.
(L) - LOCATE A SAFE PLACE:
LOCATE safe places your child can go in any situation. Teach them to run into a department store or fast food establishment and locate a PERSON IN AUTHORITY to help them if they are being followed. This might also include a recreation center, YMCA, church, library or even an office building. They should know where their friends and relatives live.
(P) - PREPARE YOURSELF:
Your child should always remain mentally and physically PREPARED to deal with and escape from any situation that might arise. They should be encouraged to look for opportunities to escape that might suddenly present themselves. Most important, remember the first point of our THREE IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER,
- Run away from strangers.
Running away from a stranger or a bad situation is always their first and best line of defense.
|