First Nations Voice

AUGUST 2014 • PAGE 7 Everysecondcountsif yourchildgoesmissing. DownloadtheFREEapptodayat findmeid.ca AtFCC,we'vebuiltaculturewhereyoucanbeyourself. You'reanindividualandittakesstrongindividualstomake astrongteam.So,bewhoyouareandfeelathomewhen youcometowork. fcc.ca/diversity Be comfortable with diversity Feels like a fit When a child goes missing, the impor- tance of immediate and coordinated action cannot be overstated. Whether the situation involves a child who wanders off from their backyard, doesn't arrive home from school or after a party, or becomes separated from parents at a large public event, it is critical that the community is able to take action immediately. Recognizing the strengths and knowl- edge that exists in communities, Missing- Kids.ca and the Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN), with support from the RCMP, have developed the Community Action Plan. The Community Action Plan is a free, proactive tool to help communities gather and orga- nize information, catalogue resources and prepare to respond should a child go miss- ing in the community. "The RCMP police communities all across Canada. Each community is unique. The people living in those communities are our best resource when it comes to preparing a response," said RCMP Chief Superinten- dent Scott Kolody. "Having communities prepare and be one step ahead could be invaluable." The Community Action Plan is designed to adjust to the unique capacity, resources and needs of each community. The plan helps the community come together and outline, in detail, available resources, such as boats or ATV's, maps of community roads or ar- eas of concern, community phone lists and community-wide roles and responsibilities. "No one likes to think 'this could hap- pen here'. But the reality is that children go missing every day, and there are steps communities can take to be prepared," said Christy Dzikowicz, Director of MissingKids. ca. "This tool is about ensuring that crucial time isn't wasted on things that can be done beforehand." To learn more about the Community Action Plan, visit the Canadian Centre for Child Pro- tection YouTube channel, YouTube.com/Pro- tectChildrenCA, or contact Missingkids.ca at 1-866-KID-TIPS (543-8477). IF A CHILD GOES MISSING, IS YOUR COMMUNITY PREPARED? "I recommend that all communities develop and implement a Community Action Plan. It is important to be prepared for an unforeseen event, but it is equally important to learn more about what can be done to prevent a child from going missing," said Chief Evans. "Each of us as individuals, and together as a community, has the responsibility to keep our children safe." ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY A MISSING CHILD RESPONSE RESOURCE protectchildren.ca

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