On the second Sunday in June, the FBI acknowledges National Children’s Day, reiterating its dedication to safeguarding children and intensifying efforts to locate missing ones.
FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Program
The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children program is a cornerstone of this commitment, focusing on several key objectives:
Rapid Response: The program ensures swift and proactive measures against any form of abuse or exploitation of children under FBI jurisdiction.
Victim Recovery: It prioritizes the identification, location, and safe recovery of child victims.
Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies at all levels to combat child exploitation effectively.
Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Teams
A pivotal component of the program is the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Teams. Established in October 2005, these teams comprise seasoned professionals who offer crucial investigative and technical support to local law enforcement. Their primary goal is to expedite the recovery of abducted children and apprehend the perpetrators. Between 2006 and May 2024, the CARD Teams responded to 207 incidents, aiding in the recovery of 221 child victims.
Combatting Child Exploitation
The FBI extends its efforts beyond abductions, tackling various forms of child exploitation, including Sexual Exploitation: Investigating cases of sexual abuse and trafficking involving minors. International Parental Kidnapping: Addressing cases where children are unlawfully taken across international borders by a parent.
Collaboration with NCMEC: Partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to share critical information through the Cyber Tipline.
Immediate Action in Emergencies
In the unfortunate event of a child’s disappearance, time is of the essence. The FBI urges immediate contact with local law enforcement or the nearest FBI field office. Additionally, families can reach out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST for assistance.
Accessible Resources
To further aid in child safety, the FBI offers accessible resources:
- FBI Child ID App: An app designed to assist parents in creating and storing digital profiles of their children for emergencies
- FBI Violent Crime Against Children Program: A comprehensive resource providing insights into the FBI’s initiatives and strategies in combating crimes against children.
Through unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts, the FBI remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children across the nation.
