Every year in the United Kingdom, more than 100,000 children go missing from home or care. Most of them return home safely, but research by the Children's Society indicates that about 10,000 children every year are hurt or harmed while they are missing. Many thousands of those children are running away to escape abuse in the first place; they have no safe home to return to. Some children are hurt very severely while they are away and suffer lifelong consequences. Vulnerable children on their own are targeted by predatory adults. Evidence from police and children's charities has identified children drawn into prostitution, trafficked or groomed into drug-running by adults who pretend friendship. Some children disappear without trace. Police estimate that about 50 children every year die or are killed while they are missing; that is a child death each week that could be prevented.

Our children are our future of life and it is our duty as adults to protect and care for them. Children do have a voice and adults should listen to them, make your children aware that you are approachable. Children should be encouraged to disgust their problems no matter how bad it seems.

 

Some children are snatched, kidnapped, abducted, what ever situation that may happen. We can all be vigilant and if you suspect anything concerning children then please report this to the authorities.

 

 Here are some useful tips if you see a child who appears lost;

 

Dont`t be afraid to get involved.

 

Comfort the child but do not physically touch the child

 

If the child is able to speak, ask if they`re lost or where their mother or father is.

 

Do not request too much personal information, since children are taught not to give out this information to people they dont know.

 

If you have a mobile phone, contact the police to report the incident by calling 999 in the UK or by dialling 112 in any European country. The emergency phone number in the USA is 911.

 

Try to find someone nearby in a position of authority who can assist.

 

Do nottake the child far from the immediate location.

 

Do not put the child in your car and drive off seeking help.

 

Ask passers-by to assist.

 

Wait with the child until help arrives.

 

 

 

HAPPINESS IS ONLY A SMILE AWAY