Missing and Exploited Children's Issues -- Online

OJJDP's Missing and Exploited Children's (MEC) Program now has its own Web site. The site explains what the program does and lists proposed new MEC programs and continuation programs for fiscal year 1998. In addition, it offers practical information to parents, family members, educators, law enforcement and court officials, and others concerned about the problem of missing and exploited children.

A site map shows visitors at a glance the main headings and some of the subtopics. Thus, for example, even without opening "Support for Parents," visitors can see that it addresses both how to protect your child and what to do if your child is missing. The site also includes a section directed specifically to young people. "Tips for Kids" tells children what they need to know if they find themselves in need of protection or where to go if they are scared, lost, hurt, or need help. To make sure the tips are realistic and relevant, children are invited to share their own ideas on protection. Other parts of the site provide information related to the role of law enforcement agencies, courts, and schools in missing and exploited children cases.

Visitors to the site will find extensive links to organizations, publications, and conferences. "Additional Resources" contains links to child abduction sites in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, and the Netherlands. A few examples of the many Web site links include the National Crime Prevention Council, National Youth Network, KidSpace, the Department of Justice's Kids Page, The Polly Klaas Foundation, National Runaway Switchboard, and the CyberTipline. OJJDP encourages all those who are involved in the lives of young children to visit this site and welcomes any feedback on its effectiveness.


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OJJDP Report: When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide, May 1998