a sad sign of the times: child disappearance pack

[starlooker]

With all the child abductions and whatnot in the news recently, saw this thread in another forum.

"I was at playgroup for the first time yesterday and one of the parents asked me if I had my disappearance pack done?
She went on to explain that she had hand & foot prints, hair samples, nail clippings and a range of photo's and other things.
All in case her son was ever missing in any way.

has anyone heard of this? do you know how I would find out more?

Given the tragic events that have occurred recently I would like to get more info."

And here is one reply:

"Just the thought makes my blood run cold. A couple of years ago, my oldest (6yrs at the time) had a major tantrum and 'ran away' at dusk. Within 20 sec, of me putting shoes on he had disappeared - we called and called, searched around the block and neighbour's yards.
We back onto a river, and bushland, and a railway line further up the hill, so as darkness grew my panic deepened, and I called the police. The operator was very kind and concerned and kept me on the line while she put in the request for police to come. But when she asked me to fetch a recent photograph of my son to show them on their arrival I collapsed in tears.
Fortunately when I wandered back up to the street & called to Hub that the police were on their way, my boy who'd been hiding nearby the wholetime, panicked came outl
But I've never forgotten the feeling of falling into a deep black hole, when the police requested a recent photograph."

A great idea though. :thumbsup:

[wavelandscott]

A sad thing but yes I have heard of disappearance packs/kits...

We have always tried to keep recent pictures handy...just in case.

[casstony]

I don't watch much TV these days - how many child abductions have there been?

[MuntiNZ]

But dont you wonder how much of this stuff carried on in olden days to?
Lots of bad things would of happened back then and no one would never have known about it coz of no tv and internet.
Lots of people keep saying things are bad now but I bet it is no worse than its ever been and the cops have lots more resources to call on nowadays.

[stephenb]

Daz, I agree. These terrible crimes have been going on for centuries, even longer. I honestly believe that a child in Australia today is in no more risk of being abducted (or worse) than 50 or 100 years ago. But we are fortunate enough these days to be more aware of it as well as the children.

This does not make the latest tragedies in Queensland any less horrendous.

Overall I think everyone will agree with the fact that society in general has become more violent and less compassionate and tolerant.

It's such a large and emotional topic.

Regards,
Stephen

[starlooker]

Off the top of my head, 2 seperate abductions of 2 8 year olds in the last 7 days. 1 sexual assault, 1 murder. 2 perpertrators caught.

[GrahamL]

I find the idea pretty weird , sure keep photos and snips of hair as a record of our kids journey through life I think we all do , but a dissapearance pack ?..Isn't that just a wee bit paranoid and unlikely to help one bit in keeping them safe from harm ?

[stephenb]

I had never heard of the concept before, and yes it does sound a bit over the top.

[Jen]

:eyepop: scary stuff i couldnt imagine what the parents feel when their child goes missing :(

[jjjnettie]

I will certainly be taking a new set of photos of my youngest boys.
I admit that I've been shaken by recent events.

[lacad01]

Makes my blood run cold :(

[kustard]

I remember as a kid running around with a bright yellow t-shirt on with my name emblazoned on it. It was only as a teenager that I realised the possible dangers of wearing it. Just goes to show that kids are blinkered until they become more worldly.

One of the biggest stories when I was a teenager was the case of Samantha Knight and I remember that even though it (like all missing children) was a horrible thing to have happened we had a lot of positive responses from our community in Nelson Bay and schools.

[casstony]

It certainly is a miserable topic, but one that needs to be thought about nonetheless, along with paedophilia. In the worst of times you can always count on the kids to lift your spirits - I hope those poor parents can recover from their loss. I won't be doing the abduction pack - maybe Bite, Scratch & Scream classes would be more effective.

Eight years old is a perfect age to start a martial art and I'm guessing it wouldn't take much resistance to make an offender think twice, but without some training the shock of an abducduction/assault will cause the kid to shut down and be an easy target.

[multiweb]

Yeah I tend to agree with this. I don't think things have gotten worse. The media tends to drum in bad news/gossips etc... because it sells and we get a distorted reality. Some people do get a bit over the top with their kids. Remember this TV review where they wanted to fit pre-school kids with foam helmets to prevent injuries? :lol: I think kids' security starts at home with good parenting and communication. We can only tell them what to do and steer them in the right direction then it's up to them to make the right choice. I always make a point to know where my kids are and who they are with. Trust works both ways and we're 100% clear on that. I have zero tolerance.

[Jeffkop]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Prevention is far better than cure ... couldnt agree more ... and if I could just put forward that IF we have to "cure" some individual for crimes like this ... could it please be the Smith n Wesson cure. 100% effective ... 10000% cheaper ... 10000% quicker.

[multiweb]

There are so many different aspect of taking up a martial art that will be hugely beneficial to a young kid or teen. Self-defence being one of them of course but it goes way past that. They learn how to focus, be part of a team, compete and it's very good exercise. They also have good male role models. I think a lot of the kids being labeled ADHD should drop the ritalyn and join a karate club instead. ;)

[casstony]

Risk of abduction is very low but risk of child sexual assault is not. I recall statisics indicating that a significant percentage of women (1 in 5 from memory) had been assaulted at some time in their childhood. Teaching the kids to meet inapropriate physical contact with aggression is wise. Paedophiles can manipulate kids into keeping quiet for years.

[casstony]

Certainly worth trying and their extra energy would be an asset at training. My kids are never at their peak at training because they're worn out from the school day.

[jjjnettie]

I have friends who have been sending their 2 daughters to karate lessons these past 6yrs. (they're 11 and 13 now) They've always had it drummed into them, if someone tries to deal with you inappropriately, start yelling and screaming and kicking and gouging.
This weeks tragedy would have hit home. They live north of Bundy.

[AstralTraveller]

Ever heard of press gangs? That was state-sponsored abduction.

Then there were those forced into servitude by corrupt officials using trumped-up charges. One such story is told by Steeleye Span

Gone To America
Married him in April, lost him in July;
Listen to my story and I'll tell you why,
They said that he'd been poaching and stealing wine,
They said I wouldn't see him for a long long time.
Chorus: They said he's gone to America,
To work the land that some called Virginia;
They said he's gone to America.
Married him in April, lost him in July;
They took him as their prisoner then told me why,
They said they had sent him where poachers go,
I asked if I could see him but they said no.
Chorus:
Married him in April, lost him in July;
Curse the men who took him, curse their wicked lie,
The night they saw him poaching and stealing wine,
Was the night he took comfort in these arms of mine.
Chorus:
Married him in April, lost him in July.