On October 1, the House approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Con. Res. 484) highlighting the importance of child safety and encouraging federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and communities to work together to prevent the victimization of children.
Each year, more than 58,000 children are abducted by non-family members, usually in connection with another crime. While most of these children are rescued, many are kept overnight, held for ransom, or killed.
“The recent rash of child abductions and murders remind us that we must work harder to keep children and youth from becoming victims,” said Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE), sponsor of the resolution. “Our children need to understand that they are our number one concern,” he added.
The measure encourages parents and schools to learn more about the steps they can take to safeguard their children and recommends the booklet “Personal Safety for Children” as a tool to teach children about personal safety. The booklet was developed cooperatively by the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Education.
