It's a parent's worst nightmare - a child becoming the prey of a sexual offender. Unfortunately, the sick individuals who stalk young children aren't branded with a scarlet letter, and by the time some parents find out that a predator has infiltrated their surroundings, it's too late. In the United States, a child goes missing every 40 seconds. And although 90 percent of all molestations are done by someone the child knows, at least 10 percent of the crimes are committed by strangers. It's a frightening statistic, but there are preventative measures that can be taken to keep your child out of harm's way.{relatedarticles} In the age of the information superhighway, there are Web sites that show where registered sex offenders live. In many states, you can go to state-operated Web sites and input your address. The sites then provide you with the addresses of the offenders, along with information of their crimes and their photos.
There is also a national sex offender registry at familywatchdog.us where you can find a map of the offenders in your area. Of course, it's also important to educate your children about stranger danger. Let your child know that it's never OK for an adult or anyone else to touch them inappropriately or to make sexual advances on them. Encourage your child to speak openly with you and make them feel comfortable that he or she can tell you anything. {relatedarticles}Do background checks on babysitters, caregivers or anybody else you leave your children with. Also, check their references. Be leery if someone pays extra attention to your child. Take notice if you notice any changes in your child's behavior. Talk to your child and find out what is bothering him or her. Never leave your child alone or unattended in a public place. At parks, malls and other places, always be aware of your surroundings.