By CHANTELLE TURNER
In the case of a child abduction, law enforcement officials need basic information on the child to begin a search.
KidCare booklets include a photo and key characteristics of a child to prepare for such an emergency.
In 1993 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Polaroid Corporation created a program for parents to have a booklet containing a photo and information on their child to use in case their child was ever missing.
NuSkin International Inc., provides the material from this program to their employees in the annual KidCare I.D. Day.
'We use their materials for this particular program. We've been doing it now for about three years,' said Steve Rich, events coordinator for NuSkin. 'It's receptive because there are a lot of employees with kids.'
Detective George Besendorfer of the Provo Police Department said the KidCare booklets are a great idea.
'On a whole, it's not something that is advertised a lot,' he said. '(The booklet) is a good thing.'
The idea behind the booklets is to prepare for the worst -- an abduction. The booklets include a photo, height and weight of the child, and contact information.
NuSkin provides a two-day event enabling parents to bring their children in to compile the needed information in case an abduction were to occur.
'Two things happen: an education process and the gathering of information,' Rich said.
A video on safety tips is shown as part of the education process. Employees and their children can view the video after putting their booklets together. According to Rich, the following are some of the video tips offered to children:
1. Let your patents know where you are going.
2. Travel in groups.
3. Avoid shortcuts.
4. When approached by a stranger, yell and make a lot of noise.
'I think the program's a good program,' said Boyd Blake, NuSkin employee. 'We take their pictures, and, as we record their information, it helps us feel a little safer.'
And parents are made aware of the danger they can teach their children. According to Besendorfer, parents can explain to their children the things that could happen if a stranger wants them to get into a vehicle or to find a lost puppy.
'An abduction can take place at any time of the year, any time of the day,' Besendorfer said. Before and after school, and during good weather when children are outside playing are times to be especially cautious, Besendorfer said.
A common misconception in Utah Valley is there is not a lot of crime happening. 'It happens everywhere. It is going on all over the place,' Besendorfer said.
In 1996 10 abduction cases were reported to the Provo Police Department. Eight cases were reported in 1997.
Anyone can participate in the program. Police departments have programs if parents come in requesting information.
Rich said the goal for their program is to have the parents come back each year to update their children's booklets.
'It is really preparation. ... If you have all the information you need, that is just one less thing you have to stress out about when you are in that situation,' Rich said.