| 1. |
Be sure to go over the rules with your
children about whose homes they can visit when you’re not there
and discuss the boundaries of where they can and can’t go in
the neighborhood. |
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| 2. |
Make sure children know their full names, address,
and telephone numbers and how to use the telephone. Be sure they know
what to do in case of an emergency and how to reach you using cellular
or pager numbers. Children should have a neighbor or trusted adult
they can call if they’re scared or there’s an emergency. |
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| 3. |
Caution children to keep the door locked and not to
open the door or talk to anyone who comes to the door when they are
home alone. If you have arranged for a family friend or relative to
stop by, make sure your children feel comfortable being alone with
that person. Make certain they understand not to tell anyone who calls
that they are home alone. |
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| 4. |
Don’t drop your children off at malls, movies,
video arcades, or parks. These are not safe places for children to
be alone. Make certain a responsible adult supervises your younger
children at all times when they are outside and away from home. |
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| 5. |
Teach your children in whose car they may ride. Children
should be cautioned never to approach any vehicle, occupied or not,
unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult. |
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| 6. |
Make sure your children know to stay away from pools,
canals, or other bodies of water without adult supervision. |
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| 7. |
Since daylight lasts longer during the summer months,
be sure your children know their curfew and to check in with you if
they are going to be late. If you allow your children to play outside
after dark, make sure they have reflective clothing on and stay close
to home. |
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| 8. |
Choose babysitters with care. Obtain references from
family, friends, and neighbors. Many states now have registries for
public access to check criminal history or sex-offender status. Observe
the babysitter’s interaction with your children, and ask your
children how they feel about the babysitter. |
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| 9. |
Check out camps and other summer programs before enrolling
your children. See if a backgroundscreening check is completed on
the individuals working with the children. Make sure there will be
adult supervision of your children at all times, and make sure you
are made aware of all activities and field trips offered by the camp
or program. |
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| 10. |
Investigate daycare settings thoroughly before placing
your children. Make certain the center or family-daycare home is licensed;
completes full background screening for all employees at, volunteers
of, and others affiliated with the facility; and allows parents and
guardians to freely come and go as they wish. Observe the personnel
and activities several times before making your decision and visit
unannounced after placement. |
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| 11. |
Be sure all custody documents are in order and certified
copies are available in case your children are not returned from a
scheduled summer visit. |
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| 12. |
Always listen to your children and keep the lines of
communication open. Your children are your best source for determining
if everything is okay. Teach your children to get out of dangerous
or uncomfortable situations right away and practice basic safety skills
with them. Make sure they know they can tell you about anything that
makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. |
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Copyright © 1993 National Center for Missing
& Exploited Children. All rights reserved. This project was supported
by Grant No. 1998-MC-CX-K002 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department
of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies
of the U.S. Department of Justice. National Center for Missing & Exploited
Children® and 1-800-THE-LOST® are registered
service marks of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
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