Contact:
Joanie Moore
9136 Limits SW
Mancelona, MI 49659
231.587.8700
Email: moore@torchlake.com

This Child Abduction Prevention Program, which began in 2002 in Mancelona, Michigan was inspired after the abduction, rape and murder of five year old Samantha Runnion in California. As a parent, I was devastated to hear what had happened to that little girl. She was playing innocently with friends outside her home when a man drove up and took her. From that time on, I began quizzing my young children - asking them what they would do if someone drove up to them. I tried to teach them safety tips and why they must stay away from people they don't know. As a business owner, customers come in our office frequently. My children didn't understand why it was OK for me to talk to strangers, but not for them. It was then that I turned to friends in law enforcement for advice. I was put into contact with an FBI agent who suggested I explain to the kids about the "privacy bubble" that surrounds them. It is OK to talk to someone from a safe distance, but it is not OK for them to come close enough to touch or grab you. After learning that no child safetly programs of this nature existed in our area, it became my personal mission to not only begin one here in our small community, but to have it spread throughout our region.

How this program became a reality...

We are excited about the interest that this program has generated. We are fortunate to have law enforcement officers and educators that have heavily attended these programs to assist with educating the kids, fingerprinting, photographying and handing out helpful information. The annual event has drawn attention from all over Michigan, and as far away as New Jersey, Ohio and California. Our sponsors make this possible. Without their funding, we would not be able to provide the children with the valuable literature and McGruff products that will help keep these important tips fresh in the minds of our little ones.Our law enforcement agencies make this possible. The FBI, Michigan State Police, Antrim County Sheriff's Office, Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office, Mancelona Police Department, Bellaire Police Department and the Northern Counties Police Dogs have been our core group that supports this program year after year. Representatives from many other county and local agencies have attended to assist with fingerprinting and educating the kids. A special thank you goes out to Dignity Memorial's Escape School for their valuable contributions.

Putting your kids to the test....
how would they react to a stranger?

In fall of 2004, 9&10 News (our local CBS affiliate) and a sergeant with the Antrim County Sheriff's Department conducted a Stranger Experiment, entitled "Seizing Opportunities." With the use of hidden cameras and wireless microphones, and the assistance of parents, children were unsuspectingly approached by our "stranger." A variety of scenarios were played out, including the old "I lost my dog" line. We tested the power of money. We tested children that were home alone, children that were with a sibling, and children ranging from early elementary to pre-teen. In only one scenario did the children do exactly as they should - turn and run away, and notify the parents. In two scenarios, the children lingered a little longer than they should have, and offered their names to the stranger, but they kept their distance and avoided potential dangers. The remaining three scenarios were unsettling, and disastrous results would have been likely, had this been an actual stranger preying on children. If you didn't see the series, we urge you to purchase the DVD. The results will shock you. (Email us for information).

Where are we going from here?

In the six years that this program has been in existence, an estimated 3,000 people have attended the Abduction Prevention Program. If you are interested in coordinating a similar program in your area, please contact coordinator Joanie Moore, 231.587.8700 for more information.

What can you learn from this program?

The term "stranger danger" is being used less frequently by today's safety educators. According to "Escape School" instructors, children are being taught ways to identify strange behavior, and how to differentiate between a good stranger and a bad stranger. A stranger may be the person that actually saves your child from a dangerous situation. This program will help kids identify different kinds of behavior, and why not all strangers are bad. Your kids will learn how to think smart, and live safe and hapy lives without being scared. They will learn why "all the rules change," should it become necessary to fight to protect themselves.

CONTACT:
Joanie Moore, Coordinator
moore@torchlake.com
231.587.8700

Resources & Links

National Center for Missing & Exploited
Children

National Crime Prevention Council

Samantha Runnion - The Joyful Child

Abduction Prevention Tips

Escape School

Amber Alert - get the ticker for your home page, here

Sex Offender Registry - Michigan

Child Safe Network

Crime Prevention Association of Michigan

Quick Tips

....teach your children that if someone drives up to them, they should turn around and run the opposite direction that the car is facing. It takes time for the driver to turn the vehicle around, giving your child a head start getting away.

....don't just tell your children what to do in a stranger situation. Quiz them. Ask "what if" questions. Find out how much of what you are teaching them is being retained.

....Use a code work with your children, and tell them they are not to go with anyone, ever, unless they know the code work. Additionally, they should never tell the code word to anyone.

... Adults should not be asking questions, such as for directions, of children. Your child should avoid getting into a discussion with strangers.

.... What is a stranger? A stranger is someone that your child, or your family, does not know well.