How should parents teach a child to handle a threatening situation?
We urge children to remember three steps: No, Go and Tell. They should know it's okay to resist adults and make noise, yelling things like, "This man is not my father!" They should run away if they can. And if they break loose, they can help identify their abductors by remembering details and telling a trusted adult.

What should you do first if you think your child is missing?
Call the police immediately, even if you're not sure. Stay calm. Before the police arrive, prepare a detailed description of your child that includes height, weight, birth date and any special identifiers, such as glasses or scars. Parents should also request that the case be reported to the FBI and call our hot line (1-800-THE-LOST).

Are there precautionary steps?
All parents should keep on hand a recent color photograph of the child; write a description of your child; get copies of your child's dental charts; know how to get hold of his medical records; arrange with local authorities to have your child's fingerprints taken and put on file. With younger children, you should know where your children are at all times, especially in public places. With older children, talk to them, listen to them, tell them they should not be embarrassed to tell you if something unusual happens. Be sure your child knows the phone number and address for both you and another trusted adult. A child should also know that if someone approaches him at school claiming to be there at a parent's request, he should call you to confirm that or ask a teacher to place the call. Finally we should balance this information carefully so that kids are not frightened. These incidents, tragic as they are, are thankfully rare. Being prepared doesn't mean being terrified to go out in the world.