As part of National Missing Children's Day, the U.S. Department of Justice, through OJJDP, will be providing the OJJDP Administrator's Special Commendation Award that recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals, organizations, and agencies that have made a significant contribution to protect children between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024. The awardee will be recognized at the 42nd Missing Children's Day Commemoration that will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

This award is intended to recognize an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, ICAC member, State Clearinghouse Manager, or AMBER Alert Coordinator. The nominee shall have performed either an investigative activity deemed exceptional or beyond the call of duty or have made a significant contribution to protecting children. The award submission deadline was January 31, 2025.