SAFETY STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection responds to abduction threat
Winnipeg, MB: - In light of a recent child kidnapping threat identified by RCMP in Richmond, British Columbia, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is encouraging parents and guardians to visit their
Kids in the Know website for valuable child personal safety strategies.
"While these types of abductions are rare, they do occur. The best plan of action is for parents and guardians to be proactive by teaching their children personal safety skills," said Lianna McDonald,
Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
Richmond RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Pound said, "It's our job as parents to educate our children on how to be proactive and reactive should a situation arise where a child needs to get away. Keep the lines of communication open
with your children and have a plan so that should a situation arise that puts them in danger, they will be armed with the skills and confidence to stand up to anyone trying to bring them harm. Parents and children should
always be vigilant and trust their instincts."
The Canadian Centre's Kids in the Know website has numerous materials available for parents/guardians that outline tips and child personal safety strategies, such as the Billy Brings a Buddy
program. Children who go places alone are at a greater risk of being victimized. The Billy program teaches them the importance of always going places with a buddy. At the website, parents can read a book and complete an
online activity with their children. A Billy Buddy System home activity can also be downloaded.
Parents/guardians can also access a Child Protection Plan that, once completed, shows them where risk exists in their child's life, and what protections (or protective factors) can be strengthened to increase their child's
personal safety.
The Canadian Centre's Kids in the Know program is designed to empower children and reduce their risk of victimization. Taught in schools and homes across the country, the program focuses on key root safety
strategies for children, including: SHOUT NO! Run - Tell Someone, Keep and Speak Secrets, The Buddy System, Trust Your Instincts, and If asked to go and your parents don't know, SHOUT NO!
For more information, or to access prevention materials and educational programs parents/guardians can call the Canadian Centre toll-free at 1-800-532-9135 or visit their Kids in the Know website at
www.kidsintheknow.ca. The Canadian public is also encouraged to visit the Canadian Centre's main website for other valuable information
at www.protectchildren.ca.
For more information please contact:
Tish Best, Director of Communications Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Office: (204) 945-6020 Cell: (204) 250-7992
Email: tish@protectchildren.ca
