The AMBER Advocate — 2024 Issue 2

In this issue:

Our second issue of 2024 reflects our collective mindset, “One team, one fight” (a phrase coined by Hawaii AMBER Alert Coordinator Amanda Leonard at our recent National AMBER Alert & AMBER Alert in Indian Country Symposium.) We share highlights from the productive and inspiring two-day event in New Orleans. We also talk with Michigan AMBER Alert Coordinator Jolene Hardesty about her work on the Not Invisible Act Commission, which focused on finding solutions to the key problems faced by Indigenous communities. We delve into the high-profile abduction and rescue of a 9-year-old girl in New York—a case that underscores the importance of prudent alerting decisions. And we provide the latest AMBER Alert-related news you can use.

Photo of two women hugging at the Symposium. AMBER Alert Coordinators and child protection professionals from across the nation and abroad reunited for the annual learning event. {Photo credit: AATTAP}

Hundreds of child protection professionals strengthen knowledge and bonds at the 2024 AMBER Alert & AMBER Alert in Indian Country Symposium in New Orleans.

Detail of art quilt made by Pamela Foster for Derek VanLuchene. It memorializes Derek's late brother, Ryan, and his dog, Herschel.

A handmade quilt connects two family survivors of child abductions via an 'invisible thread.'

A high-profile search for an abducted 9-year-old girl puts New York AMBER Alert Coordinators and investigators under intense scrutiny.

Portrait of Joelle Hardesty, Missing Children’s Clearinghouse Analyst and Missing Persons Coordinator for the Michigan State Police. She served on the Not Invisible Act Commission.

Following her service on the Not Invisible Act Commission, Michigan’s Jolene Hardesty is dedicated to bringing Native American partners to the table as ‘advisors and equals.’

SafetyNet bracelet helps find missing child in Florida

Short news posts about AMBER Alert & child protection issues—from the United States.

Iowa sisters Trisha Rivers and Jessica Lopez-Walker of the Winnebago Tribe work with the Great Plains Action Society

Short news posts about AMBER Alert & child protection issues—from Indian Country.

Short news posts about about AMBER Alert & child protection issues—from around the world.

Trusted, timely & actionable information is at your fingertips: Simply focus your smartphone camera on these QR codes to access the latest training & networking opportunities for child protection professionals. (And keep this downloadable file handy for future needs.)