The statistics of missing persons continues to be alarming, with a steady increase in the number of persons found dead over a three-year period.

Information from the police indicate that in 2006, of the 1,662 persons who were reported missing, 35 were confirmed dead.

The figures hiked in 2007 as 38 persons were found dead of the 1298 persons missing.

The trend has continued, as last year 55 persons were confirmed dead of the 1446 persons who were reported missing.

Mary Clarke, children's advocate, said too often the victims were children and it was time parents became more responsible.

"Parents need to know where children are at all times and stop sending their children out on their own," she warned.

She said Jamaica today is different and parents need to take special care in protecting their children.

The latest incident of a child murdered after being reported missing occurred two weeks ago, when the decomposed body of 10-year-old Tamieka Thompson, was found just 300 feet from her home in Inverness district in Sandy Bay, Clarendon.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com

Protecting your child

Show physical affection and express love and support with words and gestures.

Teach your child not to accept money, gift sweets and other items from strangers.

Teach your child the safe route to walk to and from school, or if driven he-she must know the route as well.

Tell your child not to leave the school compound or wander out before he/she is picked up.

Parents must be sensitive to changes in their child's behaviour and try to find out the reasons for those changes

Tell your child not to allow anyone to take photographs of them without your consent. Not even with a cell phone camera.

If you cannot pick up your child at school you should notify the teacher. Any caregiver or person designated to replace you should be in possession of a letter with identification.

If the child takes a bus to and from school, encourage that child to walk in a group to the bus stop after school.

Give a reasonable timeline to the child for when he or she should arrive home.

Teach the child a code in order to signal that he or she is in danger or in a difficult position when he or she uses the phone to call you or other family members.

If the child does not come home in the time-period specified, try to make contact immediately to ascertain what is the cause for the delay.

Do not embarrass or ridicule the child.

Teach your child not to accept rides from strangers. They should not accept rides from known person either, unless your consent is given.

Teach your child all the emergency numbers.

If you walk your child to the bus stop, wait until the bus arrives and note the registration numbers and letters.