From
the President of the
Missing
Children Investigation Center
Albert
"Doc" Schloegel
"Speed,
Patience, Perseverance, Organization and Prayer"
Speed,
Don't wait for other people to do things for you! "file police reports,
obtain court ordered custody and if international, file a Hague Convention
application". If you know the child has been internationally abducted, go
straight to the FBI and also the State Department. "Speed is of the
essence". File the proper reports immediately. Some parents wait months to
file Hague, FBI, etc. and this seriously damages and delays the case.
Patience,
Because locates and recoveries do not happen overnight, (although we wish they
did).
Perseverance,
In short, constantly push forward, do not let up, even for a moment!. Make phone
calls, write letters, circulate flyers, develop and utilize your own support
system i.e.: relatives, friends etc., talk to as many people as possible.
Contact newspapers, TV, radio, politicians, do not let up on the pressure no
matter how frustrating it becomes. Things will get bogged down, but don't let
that deter you or disillusion you. Remember, the "squeaky wheel gets the
oil"! You are not the only case the people working on it have (govt.
police, state department etc.), BUT you can be the noisiest!.
Organization,
(Diligence),
Maintain a log of everyone you talk to and everything you do and keep it neat
and in chronological order. (If you don't already have one, make one now!) Write
down all names, dates, places, phone numbers and what was done, who you spoke to
and what was said! Keep copies of EVERYTHING! (letters, reports, court
documents) maintain a "Things to do list" and "Case
Calendar" to keep you on track of what needs to be done and when! On all
entries be sure to answer: Who, What, When, Where, How and Why.
Prayer!
"The ultimate weapon in your arsenal". Maintain "Faith and
Hope" at all times, no matter how discouraging things may look! Not only
pray for a quick resolve of this matter, also pray for guidance, the well-being
of your child, strength for your child and YOU. Then the most difficult prayer
of all, pray for the abductor and that his or her heart will soften.
Missing
Children Investigation Center
Post
Office Box 4138 Burbank, California
91503-4138
818-382-1999