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THE NSW child protection advocate has urged caution in rolling out a new child abduction alert system, saying it may create a climate of fear. The state government yesterday announced an Amber Alert system in cases of child disappearance or abduction. It will require television networks, RTA roadside message boards, taxi and bus dispatch networks and radio stations to broadcast details of missing children in a bid for public information. NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People Gillian Calvert said the plan should be approached on a trial basis. "People are anxious about the safety of their children and I think this is an opportunity for the community to be involved in protecting children," Ms Calvert said. "But there may be some unanticipated consequences to it, one of which may be that it creates a climate of fear. We're not going to know that until we trial it." It was also important to guard against overuse and tailor the plan to NSW needs, she said. Ms Calvert expressed concern at the recent spike in reported child abductions, but said it was important to maintain perspective. "Most assaults and abuse do occur within the family, keeping it in perspective is important," she said. "But we shouldn't ignore protective things that we can do even if it's not the majority type of assault." The system is modelled on the Amber Alert created in Arlington, Texas, in 1997 after the kidnap and murder of nine-year-old girl Amber Hagerman. Queensland became the first Australian state to adopt Amber Alerts last August, following the disappearance of Gold Coast teenager, Daniel Morcombe. AAP (8-8-2005) |
Child Abduction- Amber Alert
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