AMBER Alert Resources

2017 Youth Experiences Survey
The Youth Experiences Survey (YES) (4-year study) has been given to a complex and difficult population to assess. Homeless runaway young adults (ages 18 to 25) are difficult to find and can be difficult to engage and there is limited knowledge about their needs and experiences. Given to homeless young adults in both Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona through a small web of homeless youth-targeted service providers, the survey explores their experiences and service needs. Findings have helped to provide insight to service providers and the community about the challenges and needs of Arizona’s homeless young adults, and provides the Arizona community with rich data about the scope and complexity of their needs and challenges, including the sex trafficking experiences of these young people.
2018 Youth Experiences Survey
The Youth Experiences Survey (YES) is a study of the experiences of homeless young adults in Arizona that has been conducted for the past five years, from 2014 to 2018. The YES study focuses on how the life experiences of Arizona’s homeless young adults increases their risk for experiencing human trafficking. The study was conducted in partnership with four agencies from Phoenix and Tucson that provide direct services to homeless persons: Native American Connections, UMOM, one.n.ten of Phoenix, and Our Family Services of Tucson. The findings from the YES study has provided insight about the challenges and needs of Arizona’s homeless young adults to better target needed services as well as the first of its kind knowledge of the scope of the sex and labor exploitation of this population in Arizona.
2019 Youth Experiences Survey
The Youth Experiences Survey (YES) is a study of the experiences of homeless young adults in Arizona that has been conducted for the past six years, from 2014 to 2019. The YES focuses on how the life experiences of Arizona’s homeless young adults (ages 18-25) increases their risk of experiencing human trafficking. The study was conducted in partnership with four agencies from Phoenix and Tucson that provide direct services to homeless persons: Native American Connections, UMOM, one.n.ten of Phoenix, and Our Family Services of Tucson. The findings from the YES study have consistently provided insight into the challenges and needs of Arizona’s homeless young adults to better target needed services as well as the first of its kind knowledge of the scope of the sex and labor exploitation of this population in Arizona.
2020 Youth Experiences Survey
The Youth Experiences Survey (YES) is a tool that has been developed and utilized to gain a deeper understanding of the life experiences of homeless young adults, ages 18 to 25. The YES has been administered through four partnering social service agencies for the last seven consecutive years in the state of Arizona. The purpose of the YES study was to determine the gaps in service needs for this particularly vulnerable population and explore how prevalent sex and labor exploitation was as a result of these vulnerabilities. The findings from the YES study have been groundbreaking, providing empirical evidence to demonstrate that homeless persons in the state of Arizona are uniquely vulnerable to sexual and labor exploitation while trying to secure access to basic needs. The year 2020 has presented unique challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic created additional critical barriers to providing services to the most vulnerable clients.
A Law Enforcement Guide on International Parental Kidnapping
International parental kidnappings know neither boundaries nor borders. Children are wrongfully taken daily—often by a family member. This guide is for local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who are called upon to respond to the unlawful removal or retention of a child outside of the United States.
Additional Victim and Family Support Services from NCMEC
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) provides a wide range of support services for victims and their families including peer support, reunification assistance, and mental health referrals.
AMBER Alert in Indian Country Technology Toolkit
As part of the AMBER Alert in Indian Country (AIIC) Initiative's mission to provide tribes with critically important resources for effective response to endangered missing and abducted child cases, these technology toolkits are delivered to tribal law enforcement agencies.
AMBER Alert Reports, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®
Visit NCMEC at https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/amber and scroll down to 'AMBER Alert Reports' to view annual statistical reports on the issuance of AMBER Alerts and AMBER Alert programs nationwide.
AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities
An overview of training and technical assistance offerings with course descriptions.
AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program Fact Sheet
A high-level summary of AATTAP program efforts and outcomes.
AMBER Alert: Sample Process Map
This simple graphic provides an example of a process map depicting key roles, decision points and action to create effective programmatic motion when a child is reported critically missing or abducted.
APCO ANS 1.101: Standard for Public Safety Telecommunicators When Responding to Calls of Missing, Abducted and Sexually Exploited Children
Best practices, model policy and call intake protocols for 911/Emergency Dispatch personnel and patrol first responders when responding to missing and abducted child incidents.
Application for CART Certification (First/Initial)
The requesting team's CART Coordinator will complete this web-based form to begin the application process for CART Certification. Detailed instructions will be shown when the form is launched.
Application for CART Re-certification (for the annual re-certification requirement)
This form is used to RE-CERTIFY. If your team is seeking first-time certification, use the form ABOVE this one. The CART re-certification form must be submitted annually by all certified teams.
Brazos Valley CART Protocols
Brazos Valley CART Protocols. Provided as an example and for reference only. Nothing in this example should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own protocols with all required information and components.
CART Certification Manual and Agency Guide
Process, capacity and capability standards as established by the U.S. Department of Justice for CART programs pursuing formal certification by the AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program.
CART Certification Sample After Action Report
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART after action report. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
CART Certification Standard Compliance Form
This compliance form is to be included in each folder created to hold proofs and related documentation of compliance with each CART certification standard.
CART Program Implementation Guide
Guidelines and important considerations for developing, implementing and sustaining a CART program.
Case Management for Missing Children Homicide Investigation (‘Washington State Study’)
Published by the Washington State AG and the US DOJ-OJJDP, this resource details critically-important investigative implications from research on child abduction homicide cases for those responding to missing and abducted child cases.
Certified CART Program Listing
A listing of CART programs certified by the US-DOJ-AATTAP.
Checklist for Public Safety Telecommunicators When Responding to Calls Pertaining to Missing, Abducted and Sexually Exploited Children
Published by NCMEC in collaboration with AATTAP, the US DOJ-OJJDP and other partners, this 911/Emergency Dispatch Checklist can be used as an operational companion resource to the APCO ANS 1.101.
Child Sex Trafficking – Las Vegas Study Infographic
Child sex trafficking has been found in every state in the United States and is a serious public and mental health concern. Victims of child sex trafficking report significant health, mental health, and social problems and their support and treatment needs are complex.
Child Victims of Stereotypical Kidnappings Known to Law Enforcement in 2011
OJJDP Juvenile Justice Bulletin, June 2016. Summarizes findings on the incidence and characteristics of stereotypical kidnappings of children in 2011 and compares them with 1997 findings.
Comprehensive Child Recovery Strategy Components
This simple graphic shows the three pillars of a comprehensive child recovery strategy and the important programmatic and operational considerations for each.
Delaware County Child Abduction Response Team EXAMPLE/SAMPLE Form: Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability
For example/sample purposes only. Agencies and/or CART programs should create a form specific to their needs, but are encouraged to utilize this sample for ideas/framework.
EAS Contact Information by State
The Federal Communications Commission website provides contact information for each state's EAS Plan and State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) Chair. The AMBER Alert Coordinator should work proactively with the SECC to build relationships important to executing and strengthening AMBER alerting operations.
Effective Use of NCIC: the National Crime Information Center Database – A Quick Reference Guide for Law Enforcement Telecommunications
A Reference Guide for Public Safety Telecommunications Personnel in swift yet comprehensive and accurate use of the NCIC system to build, update and manage records in missing and abducted child cases.
Emancipated Missing Children Project
Published by AMBER Alert in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this this benchmark report addresses questions regarding what happens to children who went missing and were still missing once they did or would have become adults.
FBI Child Abduction Response Plan (CARP) and First Responder Checklist
3rd edition of the Child Abduction Response Plan (CARP), and corresponding First Responder checklist. Published 2014 by the FBI, US-DOJ
FCC Information on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
The Federal Communications Commission website provides comprehensive information on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and provides contact information for support.
Fusion Center Locations and Contact Information
The US Department of Homeland Security website provides a complete list of links to each state's Fusion Center locations and contact information. Fusion centers are key outcome contributors in AMBER Alert Programs.
General AMBER Alert Data Spreadsheet Template
For law enforcement's use in organizing and tracking data and information related to AMBER Alert activations
Going To and From School More Safely
Millions of kids ride a bike, take the bus or walk to school every day. Help get them to and from school more safely by following this checklist.
Investigative Officer Response Checklist
A basic checklist for investigative officers when responding to the scene or family home of an endangered missing or abducted child.
IPAWS
Information on how alerting authorities interact with FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to feed data to EAS, WEA and other alerting systems.
Lake Superior CART Protocols
Lake Superior CART Protocols. Provided as an example and for reference only. Nothing in this example should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own protocols with all required information and components.
Law Enforcement Field Response Checklists: Patrol, Investigative, Supervisory
Learn more about a series of law enforcement field response checklists for use in endangered missing and abducted child incidents. Download both full and condensed versions of checklists for patrol officers, investigators and supervisory officers.
Long-Term Missing Guide for Law Enforcement
Strategies for finding long-term missing children.
Missing and Abducted Children: A Law Enforcement Guide to Case Investigation and Program Management
Published by NCMEC, 3rd Edition, 2006. A guide to assist law enforcement in investigating missing and abducted children cases.
Missing Child Emergency Response: A Quick Reference Guide for Families
Published by NCMEC. A checklist of important actions and considerations for families when a child goes missing.
Missing Children, State Care and Child Sex Trafficking: Engaging the Judiciary in Building a Collaborative Response
Published by the US DOJ-OJJDP, NCMEC, and the NCJFCJ. Examines the relationships between runaways and other vulnerable youth, the scope and nature of the crime of child sex trafficking, and important preventative steps law enforcement and the judiciary can take when involved with juvenile justice proceedings.
Model Policy – Addendum for Missing Children with Special Needs
An addition to the model policy published by NCMEC for law enforcement response to missing child incidents, focusing on important considerations for missing children with special needs.
Model Policy for Missing, Abducted and Sexually Exploited Children
The model policy published by NCMEC for law enforcement response to missing child incidents.
National Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA” or “the Act”), which is title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-248), provides a new comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. These Guidelines are issued to provide guidance and assistance to covered jurisdictions—the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the principal U.S. territories, and Indian tribal governments—in implementing the SORNA standards in their registration and notification programs.
NCMEC Investigative Checklist for First Responders
Published by NCMEC in collaboration with OJJDP and AMBER Alert. An operational checklist for first responders in missing and abducted child cases.
NISMART Research
Research summaries, bulletins and other important publications from OJJDP's NISMART initiative.
No Fee Online Course through the National Judicial College
Effectively Communicating with Families of Missing or Abducted Children is an hour-long self-study course created in collaboration with the National Judicial College to guide judges in improving the outcomes and experiences for victims and family members who must navigate the justice system as a result of the crimes to which they've been exposed.
Non-fatal Strangulation Experiences Among Victims of Sex Trafficking in Las Vegas, Nevada
Non-fatal strangulation has recently emerged as an important topic in situations involving sexual violence and interpersonal violence due to the risk of lethality and severity of injuries.
Outcome Contributors Ecosystem During a Child Abduction Event
This simple graphic shows the relationship of numerous stakeholders, or outcome contributors, during an endangered missing or abducted child event.
Patrol First Response Checklist
A basic first response checklist for patrol officers when responding to the scene or family home of an endangered missing or abducted child.
Patrol First Response for Missing and Abducted Children (PATMAC) Online Training
Learn law enforcement patrol/first responding officer best practices for supporting swift and decisive responses in the critical, early stages of incidents involving missing and abducted children. This self-directed course is available 24/7 and allows you to work at your own pace as your busy schedule allows. The course is delivered across five modules which cover the nature of the problem, initial on-scene response, transitioning the investigation, and important resources available for your agency in responding effectively to incidents of endangered, missing and abducted children.
President’s Interagency Task Force: Report on U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons
This report reflects the work of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF) as accomplished from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019.
Project ChildSafe
Project ChildSafe® is a nationwide educational program that promotes the safe storage of firearms in the home. The program raises awareness about firearms safety by distributing gun locks and educational material to gun owners.
Protecting At-Risk Tribal Youth
From AMBER Alert, a pocket guide for law enforcement first responders working in tribal communities designed to help determine when a child is at risk for victimization.
Protecting Tribal Youth from Abduction
An overview of threats to the health, wellness, and safety of tribal youth which can put them at risk of becoming missing or being abducted, in order to build awareness and increase prevention efforts.
Quality Assurance Form – Certification Process Survey
Online survey for the CART program being certified (completed by the CART Program Coordinator/Commander) following the CART certification process.
Quality Assurance Form – Co-Assessor Survey
Online survey completed by the CART Co-Assessor following the CART certification process.
Quality Assurance Form – Lead Assessor Survey
Online survey completed by the CART Lead Assessor following the CART certification process.
Rapid Emergency Child Alert System Framework: AMBER Alert Europe and International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children
Information on developing a framework for a Rapid Emergency Child Alert System, authored by AMBER Alert Europe and International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
Report on Alerting Tactics – Science and Technology Directorate
From the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology, this Report on Alerting Tactics provides recommendations on effective combinations of alerting tactics for various incident types based upon lessons learned from practitioners. This report examines nationwide alert originator best practices for reaching communities; effective combinations of current and emerging alerting tools and practices to improve overall public response; and considerations for integrating future technologies (e.g. advanced sensor alerting) and technology platforms (e.g., Next Generation Television (Next Gen TV)) to address current alerting gaps and challenges.
Residential Child Abduction Cases
Published by the FBI; November 15, 2017. By Joy Shelton, Mark Hilts, M.S., and Mark MacKizer, M.S. The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit–3 (BAU–3), which addresses crimes against children, analyzed 32 cases of residential child abduction. The findings offer insight to law enforcement officers who handle these cases and initially must consider all potential scenarios, including those involving an intruder.
Rules of Professional Conduct for Alerts and Updates to the Public
As referenced by the American Bar Association (ABA), Rules of Professional Conduct When Releasing Alert and Update Information to the Public.
Safety Plan for CART Certification Field Exercise
This web form is used by CART programs seeking certification to provide required information to AATTAP regarding the CART's safety plan for their scheduled mock abduction field exercise conducted as part of their CART certification event. Upon submitting this form, the submitter will receive a complete copy via email, as will the AATTAP CART Project Coordinator.
Sample ‘Marketing CART’ PowerPoint
A sample PowerPoint providing examples of important information to be included when presenting on the purpose and importance of developing a CART program. Agencies are encouraged to develop their own presentation, using this as a guide only, to ensure all required local/regional/jurisdictional references are included.
Sample Business Canvass Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART's Business Canvass form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Lead Tracking Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included on a Lead Tracking form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Missing Child Data Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a Missing Child Data form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Neighborhood Canvass Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART's Neighborhood Canvass form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample New CART Member Questionnaire
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART New Member questionnaire. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Roadblock Canvass Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART's Roadblock Canvass form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Sex Offender Canvass Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART's Sex Offender Canvass form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Subject Data Form
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a Subject Data form. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sample Volunteer Application
A sample form providing examples of important information to be included in a CART Volunteer Application. Nothing in this form should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own forms with all required information, using this sample form as a starting point.
Sex Offender Management Assessment and Planning Initiative
Simple questions do not always have easy answers. For example, the answers to, “How many sex offenses are committed each year?” and “How great is an individual’s lifetime risk of being a victim of a sex crime?” vary greatly depending on the source consulted. Even with the best sources of data, it is extremely difficult to estimate the actual number of sex crimes committed because of low levels of reporting. Sex crimes are not only often unreported, they are often unseen by anyone other than the victim and perpetrator.
Sex Trafficking at the U.S. Borders: Victim Characteristics
The United States has seen a powerful resurgence of concern regarding its border security in recent years. An intersecting issue within border security is that of human trafficking. Issues involving people moving through U.S. international borders and ports of entry are often seen and treated as immigration or human smuggling issues. Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking of persons is separated from human smuggling with distinctive legislation, victim profiles, and available services. This report details findings through analysis of the issue at the Mexican and Canadian borders, as well as across the U.S. and provides valuable insights through victim narratives.
Sexual Exploitation and Forced Labor – Know Your Rights (Spanish)
This pamphlet has been created to identify and educate victims of human trafficking about sexual or labor exploitation and forced labor. If you know someone or if you are a victim of sexual or labor exploitation and forced labor - this information is necessary for you. The National Line Against Human Trafficking is an organization that is fighting to defend human and labor rights.
State of Louisiana Child Sex Trafficking Project Report
The Louisiana Governor’s Office in collaboration with national, state and local partners held a series of nine Regional Community Response to Human Trafficking Symposiums from November 2017 through March 2018. The symposiums were intended to collect information from key community/system stakeholders regarding the regions’ existing services available to human trafficking victims, existing protocols dictating the handling of human trafficking victims, and the overall community response for these victims.
State Transportation Department Contacts
The US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration website provides a complete list of links to each state's transportation departments. AMBER Alert Coordinators should establish key contacts with state DOT personnel to ensure continuity of MOUs/agreeements and any needed updates to planning as technologies evolve and roadway messaging infrastructure expands.
Supervisory Officer Response Checklist
A basic checklist for supervising officers when responding to the scene or family home of an endangered missing or abducted child.
Telecommunications Best Practices for Missing and Abducted Children (TELMAC) Training Course
Learn telecommunications best practices for supporting swift and decisive responses in the critical, early stages of incidents involving missing and abducted children. This self-directed course is available 24/7 and allows you to work at your own pace as your busy schedule allows. The course is delivered across five modules which cover the nature of the problem, an overview of the APCO ANS1.101 standard and its call intake protocols, a detailed look at NCIC entry and update mechanics for missing child incidents, and important resources available for the communications center and the law enforcement agencies it serves in responding effectively to incidents of endangered, missing and abducted children.
The 2003 PROTECT Act
The 2003 PROTECT Act. In addition to downloading the Act, you may learn more by visiting Congress.gov at https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/senate-bill/151.
Trick Roll Study: Forced Criminality in Sex Trafficking Situations
From Arizona State University's Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research (ASU-STIR), Published January 2020: Criminal records of sex trafficking victims are known barriers to exiting sex trafficking situations. With the purpose of exploring forced criminality, this study examined 467 trick roll cases which are robberies conducted in a prostitution situation perpetrated by the sex seller, during one year in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Twitter and Facebook: for Developers
For AMBER Alert program and Law Enforcement agency IT/website departments, resource sites for developing optimal messaging and information management via Twitter and Facebook
Virtual Command Center Tool – from the FBI’s CJIS Division
The FBI's CJIS website provides a comprehensive overview of the Virtual Command Center resource - a real-time, web-based tool for securely monitoring critical incidents and other major events. The tool is accessed by official criminal justice personnel via the LEO.gov website.
What About Me? Coping with the Abduction of a Brother or Sister
A guide for siblings of children who go missing, written from the insights of young people who have experienced a missing or abducted brother or sister.
When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
Published by the US DOJ-OJJDP, this document was developed with and from the experiences and insights of families who have experienced first-hand the trauma of a missing child, and who want to help other parents facing the same overpowering loss.
Winnebago Countywide CART Protocols
Sample of CART Protocols/Response Manual from the Winnebago County, Wisconsin, CART Program
Wisconsin DOJ-DCI CART Protocols
Wisconsin DOJ-DCI CART Protocols. Provided as an example and for reference only. Nothing in this example should supersede or prohibit agency, department and/or jurisdictional policy, procedure or statutory requirements. CART programs are encouraged to develop their own protocols with all required information and components.