Safety begins with basic awareness. And, as basic as it may sound, this simple truth was the key factor that thwarted the efforts of an attempted kidnapping targeting two women. Therefore, it should be said again: safety begins with basic awareness. While this may sound like an all too simple bit of advice, it is the most often overlooked safety precaution.

When a child goes missing, time is of the essence. Every minute is vital. Every time a child goes missing it must be assumed they are in imminent danger. Don’t wait! Immediate contact local law enforcement and fiercely advocate for their help. Gather your community, provide photos and information, and lead the search.

Children need to know that they have permission to keep themselves safe. We want them to be quick to charitable service, gentle in disposition, obedient to authority; but, they also need to know that they have our explicit permission to literally run away from threats, to say “no” and create boundaries and barriers when their instincts tell them they are in danger, and to fight with relentless and violent intensity when required.