DATE: September 24, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Keeping Our Kids Safe

SUMMARY:
The recent tragic abductions and murders of Danielle Van Dam and Samantha Runnion have heightened the awareness of abduction cases across the nation. Today's action will provide a simple but useful tool to help
parents and children become more aware of how to stay safe and what to do if parents suspect their child has been abducted.

Recommendation:
SUPERVISOR JACOB:
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a "Keeping Our Kids Safe Card" for parents and children and to distribute 10,000 copies of the cards through the County's Health and Human Service's Family Resource Centers, County libraries, Sheriff offices and on the County's website.

Fiscal Impact:
Funds are included in the Operational Plan for the Health and Human Services Agency, Children Services Fund. The approximate cost is less than $2,500.

BACKGROUND:
The recent tragic abductions and murders of Danielle Van Dam and Samantha Runnion have heightened the awareness of abduction cases across the nation. According to the State Department of Justice, in 2001, one child went missing in San Diego County due to abduction and was later recovered. However, 168 other children are missing without explanation in San Diego County and 5,485 Statewide. Their disappearances may have been abduction cases but authorities only have enough information to designate them "Suspicious" or "Unknown."

Today's action will provide a simple but useful tool to help parents and children become more aware of how to stay safe and what to do if parents suspect their child has been abducted.

Helping to keep kids and parents informed as to what to do with the "Keeping Our Kids Safe Card" is a simple yet effective tool to help prevent these horrific crimes against kids. I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,



DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District