What a Grandparent Should Know About Their Grandchildren Being at Risk

There are many things you can do to help your grandchildren as a grandparent.

If you fear that there might be a kidnapping of your grandchild, teach them how to dial an emergency telephone number. By the age of three, they must know your address, your telephone area code and your phone number well enough.

Tell them you love them forever, that you will never let someone take them away and that you will go in their pursuit if something happens.

Reassure them by telling them that they are safe no matter what they hear from others or what they say.

Try to teach them to connect with strangers that may be of assistance, such as bar waiters, naphtha dispatchers, police, teachers or shop assistants, so they can ask for help in case of emergency.

Explain what "kidnapping" means. Teach your grandchild to shout "I'm being kidnapped! Call the police!" Tell them that when they are asked what they need, they should talk about the "judge", so that people understand the seriousness of the problem.

Let them understand that they must always be honest with the judge, no matter what others tell you. If you have custody, learn to say “The judge says I have to live with my grandfather because my parents have problems” (for example).

Choose a code word that only you and your grandchild know. Test your teachings, see if their aunt, mom or best friend knows the secret word and make sure you both remember the word. Change your code word if you believe your grandson or daughter may have mentioned it to someone.

Designate third parties to whom they should call if you consider the parent to be a risk when you are away. Explain that they can call you or the police anytime, anywhere and if they have any questions. Notify the authorities to ban the children from leaving the city without permission.

Listen and observe. If a parent does not have custody, but they quit their job, disconnected the telephone service or sold their home or possessions, something is wrong. Call your lawyer and get the visits supervised until the parent relocates back into the city.

Enter the driver's license number of the parents, the color of their car, the model and the year. Store any data about the in-laws, friends and co-workers.

You may take full-face photos of your grandchildren and both parents twice a year and note their physical description including weight, height and eye and hair color. Approximately 15% of the children abducted are recovered by the photographs.

If needed, call the police and a lawyer experienced in family law immediately. Time is critical. The police can enable location services and the information sector and access tracks and traces belonging to your grandson, as well as promptly contact any potential witnesses to the abduction. Also, contact NGOs such as Missing Children, which are active in several countries.

Protect your grandchild and yourself. Get legal custody, guardianship or adoption. Without them, you have little legal recourse to defend and be defended.