Madeleine Mcann, are you ever coming home. I would like to believe that you will, but as the days run into months I fear the worse; however my prayers will continue for as long as it takes for your safe return. If there was ever a time in my life that I couldn't think of anything better than winning the national lottery is to hear you have been found safe and sound.

Although I highlight and direct my attention to angelic Madeleine Mcann my prayers stretch to all other children missing from home too. It only seems like yesterday when the gut wrenching news of your abduction flashed across the television screen. Who would have thought that we are nearing 12 months to the day since your disappearance and still no answers.

We hear in the presence of the British police that the Portuguese authorities have 100 questions to ask Gerry Kate and their friends. "What" 365 days later to start probing well I have heard it all now, would this not give a person time to collaborate with one another should they be guilty of any involvement? If these questions had been asked on day one - Madeleine may have been home to celebrate her 5th birthday. The Portuguese police have failed miserably and this just proves inadequacy in the handling of this very sad case. Police in Portugal are now considering charging Kate Mcann for endangering the safety of her kids, this is the most sensible part of the investigation that I can relate too, however we have a grieving parents heartbroken over their loss and no doubt suffering the most agonizing pain that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

The media headlines read that Madeleine the night before her disappearance had asked why her mom and dad never came to comfort her when she was crying in the apartment. Gerry and Kate after hearing this had sworn to each other that they would take extra care from then on in keeping a watchful eye over their children. Their protection plan was not to reach the highest level of security which would protect their child from abduction. Being a mother I can not help but feel for this innocent little girl more so than that of the parents. Had signs of a prevention course been taken more seriously to support a disaster as such from happening where a 3 year old child is snatched, then I weep not for those safely tucked up in bed at home, while this little girl cries a river of tears. Can you imagine the fear and panic Madeleine endured being in the company of strangers where the possibility of being victimized in the most humiliating and degrading manner of which she so did not deserve.

Had the Portuguese police acted sooner than later in their investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, then maybe, just maybe, they will have had full backing from the public to say they had approached every nook and cranny in a supervised and professional manner? However a year later questions are to be asked, which has many people develop mistrust in the whole of the Portuguese operation.

Madeleine McCanns abduction touched the hearts of millions and broke them too. If you are the abductor reading this message - then please come forward and un-break those hearts, and especially more so the heart of the little Madeleine's.

Until there is closure in the way of good news, I will never forget your doe eyes looking up into the camera saying "come and get me", Saddened by the fact that I can not bring you home plays havoc with my maternal emotions. I will continue my search by looking into the eyes of every little girl on approach and if the marking of god is there I will smother you with the warmest of hugs and big sloppy kids so you feel safe again.

It is crucial to act immediately when a child goes missing because there is roughly a two hour delay in filling out a missing child report. It is said (74%) of missing kids are found dead within three hours of disappearance. Approximately 100 abduction cases are reported in the US yearly. The vast majority are girls (76%), on average are slightly over 11 years of age. In 80% of cases, the initial contact between the victim and killer is within 1/4 mile of the victim's residence.

Over half (57%) of abduction murders are committed by a stranger. Family involvement is infrequent (9%). Almost two-thirds of murderers (61%) have had in the past been convicted of violent crimes, with slightly more than half of the murderers' prior crimes (53%) committed against youngsters. The most regular prior crimes against children were rape (31% of killers) and other sexual assault (45% of killers).

Having eyes in the back of your head is the only way to keep track on your kids behaviours, however busy parents although protective can not be in two places at once to keep check. It has to be drummed into the kids the importance of not going off with strangers or wandering off. Sit the child down and explain in detail - in an understanding way pointing out the dangers should they be approached by someone offering them sweets or asking them do they want to see their puppy. Depending on the age of the child will determine how you address the matter. Be careful that you do not frighten them. However if it keeps your child safe from evil doers - then so be it.