Keeping Hope Alive

NUMBER OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN THE US NEARS THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION

2012-01-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Registered Sex Offender Numbers Increased 23 Percent in Past 5 Years
California, Texas and Florida Top the List

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The NationalCenter for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) released the results of itslatest survey regarding the number of registered sex offenders located in theU.S.   The organization’s most recent survey of states found thereare 747,408 registered sex offenders in the country today, which represents anincrease of 7,555 offenders from the previous survey in June 2011.

NCMEC conducted its first survey in 2006, which showed there were 606,816registered sex offenders in the U.S. In just five years, an additional140,592 convicted sex offenders have been added to sex offender registriesacross the country, an increase of 23.2%. The three states with thelargest number of registered sex offenders are California (106,216), Texas(68,529) and Florida (57,896).

“The courts have long held that the requirement that a convicted sexoffender register with authorities is not punitive, it is regulatory” saidErnie Allen, president and CEO of NCMEC. “It is a reasonable measuredesigned to provide important information to authorities and to help protectthe public, particularly children. These registries are especiallyimportant because of the high risk of re-offense by some of these offenders,and the fact that most of the victims of America’s sex offenders are youngerthan 18 years of age.”

The first sex offender registry was created in 1947 in California. Today, every state has such a registry.

NCMEC created the survey in 2006, following the enactment of the Adam WalshChild Protection and Safety Act in July of that year. Each year since thesurvey was created, NCMEC contacts the sex offender registry in each state aswell as registries located in the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories(Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and theCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). In the US Virgin Islands,St. Thomas and St. Croix maintain separate sex offender registries, bringingthe total number of registries surveyed to 57.

“America has awakened to the threat posed by sex offenders,” saidAllen. “Today, there is a system in place. Law enforcement is morevigilant and common-sense steps have been taken to better protect the public,particularly the children.”

NCMEC has conducted 13 sex offender register surveys since 2006 and wereperformed quarterly until 2009. Since then, they have been done twiceeach year.

In 2006 NCMEC also created a special dedicated Sex Offender Tracking Team. This group of analysts -- working with the U.S. Marshals Service and state andlocal law enforcement -- accesses donated public records data and aids inlocating an estimated 100,000 noncompliant or fugitive sexoffenders.   To date, NCMEC has received 15,802 requests from lawenforcement nationwide to assist in locating noncompliant sex offenders, andhas provided 15,763 analytical leads packages to law enforcement, resulting inthe apprehension of thousands of fugitives.

[Source: NCMEC]

Map of Register Sex Offenders

National Sex Offender Registry & Database

GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY MAKES REPORTING CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION EASIER

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Reportingsuspected sexual exploitation of children just became easier. The NationalCenter for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) said today that theCyberTipline reporting form used by the public has been redesigned with thehelp from global technology leader Google. The CyberTipline is operatedby NCMEC and serves as the national reporting mechanism to report suspected sexcrimes against children including child pornography, child sexual molestationand online enticement.

Thanks to Google’s assistance and technology, the redesigned CyberTipline ismore user-friendly and easier to navigate. By improving the instructions andsimplifying the steps necessary to file a report, both organizations are hopingmore people will come forward with information and report suspected childsexual exploitation.

An estimated 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be sexually victimizedbefore they reach the age of 18.

With the increase of social networking, online gaming, webcams and othertechnologies, children today have more access to the Internet and these devicesthan every before and there are more opportunities for potential offenders toengage with children.

“The public needs to be vigilant and active in reporting suspected abusesagainst children,” said Ernie Allen, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We havea responsibility to protect children. If people witness child sexualexploitation, know about it, or just suspect it, they should report itimmediately to law enforcement and to the CyberTipline.”

Created by Congress in 1998, the CyberTipline serves as the nation’s 9-1-1for reporting suspected child pornography and other sexual exploitation crimesagainst children.

The CyberTipline receives reports 24 hours a day, seven days aweek. Trained staff analyze and develop the leads and then referthe information to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies forinvestigation and prosecution.

Since it was created, the CyberTipline has seen a dramatic increase in thenumber of reports received. For example, in the first 10 months ofoperation in 1998, the CyberTipline received a total of 4,500 reports. For the 12 months during 2010, the number of reports received that year had increased to 223,374. Through November of 2011 the CyberTipline has already received 276,719reports. Since it was created in 1998, NCMEC has handled more than 1.25million reports.

Reports about child sexual exploitation come from the general public andU.S. based Electronic Service Providers (ESP’s). Each report may involveseveral dozen or even hundreds of images. Reports are submittedelectronically via www.cybertipline.comor by calling NCMEC’s 24-hour call center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Since inception, the general public has been responsible for making 45% ofthe reports with 55% from ESPs. To date, ESP’s have reported more than 9million images of child pornography to the CyberTipline.

The CyberTipline is operated in partnership with the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau ofImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Child Exploitationand Obscenity Section, the Military Criminal Investigation Organization (MCIO),the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces (ICAC, as well as other stateand local law enforcement.

CyberTipline Statistics

[Source: NCMEC]

AMBER Alert Awareness Day 1/13/2012: Event recognizes importance of alert

2012-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2012 - Each year, law enforcement officers and communitiesacross the nation observe AMBER Alert Awareness Day on January 13th. This year, arearesidents are encouraged to learn more about the alert system and itsimportance in locating missing and abducted children.

"AMBER Alert Awareness Day is a very important day," saidBarry County Sheriff Mick Epperly. "The awareness day was started severalyears ago to promote a super tool that gets alerts out to the public.

"AMBER alerts even go out to cell phones now," said Epperly."It is a great tool that helps law enforcement officers find missingchildren quickly."

This year's AMBER Alert Awareness Day will mark 15 years since theabduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas.Hagerman's killer has never been found.

Hagerman's murder launched the America's Missing Broadcast EmergencyResponse (AMBER) Alert concept. The system allows alerts to be incorporatedinto modern day technology and reach the public through radio, television,Internet and cell phone text alerts.

"When an AMBER Alert is issued this gives information to thepublic and makes them aware of what they need to look for," said CassvillePolice Chief Dana Kammerlohr. "Washington University did a study thatstated 74 percent of children that are kidnapped and later found murdered werekilled within the first three hours. So this tells us the faster a child islocated the better the outcome may be.

"With the public having the victim, suspect and vehicledescription there is a better chance of the child being located and authoritiesnotified," said Kammerlohr. "I would encourage people to payattention and write down the information that is given during an AMBER Alert asthey may see something that may bring that child back home."

Local community members can assist law enforcement with child abductionrecovery through the AMBER Alert program by signing up for wireless alerts atwww.wirelessamberalerts.org.

Cell phone subscribers capable of receiving text messages can alsoregister on their wireless carrier's website. Wireless users designate up tofive zip codes from which they would like to be alerted in the case of an AMBERAlert activation.

Individuals with information on the abducted child or suspect vehiclecan call the posted law enforcement agency number on the bulletin in order toprovide officials with as much information about the sighting or location ofthe victim as possible.

On Jan. 8, 2007, when Ben Ownby was abducted from a bus stop in St.Louis, an AMBER Alert was broadcast with his information.

"A young boy remembered seeing a vehicle that was in the area ofBen's disappearance," said Kammerlohr. "He gave the information tothe authorities, and on Jan. 12, 2007, Ben was located along with a suspect.Shawn Hornbeck, who went missing in 2002, was at the residence also.

"Without the authorities receiving this information, the outcomemay have been very different," said Kammerlohr. "People can make adifference."

There are over 100 AMBER Alert Plans nationwide, including 28 regionalplans. Plans have also been established in all 50 states and in the District ofColumbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since its inception, over 500 children have been safely recoveredthrough the AMBER Alert system.

[Source: Cassville Democrat By Lindsay Reed]

While January 13th is focused on increasing AMBER Alert awareness, Child Quest International ask you to please take this opportunity to engage children and the community in an informative discussions about the problem of missing children and how to prevent it.

2011-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

A new year, brings new hope to victims & families.
Keeping Hope Alive for 2012 & Beyond!

~ Child Quest International ~

2011-12-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

Child Quest International is proud of our direct involvement in 43 SAFERECOVERIES in 2011, and YOU should be too! This would not be possible withoutyour continued support. Thank you to all of YOU, our "life-changing"supporters, for the difference YOU make. We will continue reunitingfamilies, protecting kids, and KEEPING HOPE ALIVE for those still missing in2012 and beyond. As we work towards ending child victimization through ourmission, dedicated to the prevention and recovery of missing, abused, and exploitedchildren, Child Quest will continue to provide FREE services to assistsearching families and law enforcement.

Give the gift of HOPE.

Warm Wishes & Happy Holidays

~ Child Quest International ~

5 Tips for Safer Online Holiday Shopping

2011-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

More and more people are doing their holiday shopping online. It’s easy to see why: You can shop whenever you want, take advantage of special free shipping or Web-only deals, and comparison shop - all from the comfort of your home.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who would like to take advantage of all this online purchasing activity. The Norton Cybercrime Report 2011 cites that 41% of adults surveyed do not have up-to-date security software to protect their personal information online.

We want to make sure your online shopping this holiday season is fun, efficient, and, most important, safe. These five safety tips will help protect yourself, your friends and your family this holiday season.

Protect your computer. Most malicious software or security breaches can be prevented by running a reputable and up-to-date antivirus package on your computer. Set your antivirus software to auto-update so that you don’t have to worry about it in the future; you’ll always be protected. If you don’t have antivirus software on your computer, we’ve listed a few software packages below.

Avoid email scams. During the holiday season we often seen an increased number of scams aimed at defrauding consumers. There is a large number of suspect offers out there, but there is also an equal number of valid offers, so it’s important to know how to tell the valid offers from the scams.

Avoid clickable links at all costs. We strongly recommend that you type the destination URL into your browser instead of simply clicking a link in an email. In many of the fraudulent emails received by consumers, the link itself goes to a location other than what the link says.
Avoid falling into the trap of the “hurry” or “70% off” emails. Fraudsters try to get you to act impulsively by offering huge savings and limited offers, enticing you to click quickly rather than calmly thinking it through.
Frequently, fraudulent emails contain grammatical errors or ask for personal information. Reputable offers are reviewed to ensure proper grammar, and unless you are purchasing something at that moment, there’s no reason to provide credit card information.
Check the sender’s address. If the email address doesn’t make sense in relation to the ad itself, be wary.

Use reputable online shopping sites. With the plethora of shopping sites online, it can be confusing to know which one is good or bad. By accessing known and reputable retailers, such as Amazon, you can find a majority of your purchases without having to place yourself at risk. There are also some key things to look for when visiting that website.

When sending credit card information, make sure you're in an encrypted session, when websites create an additional layer of security while transmitting your personal information. Look for the “HTTPS://” in the URL of your browser. This means it’s an encrypted session.
Check the validity of the site. For IE, select “View” and then “Security Report.” For Firefox, select “Tools” and then “Page Info.” then in the dialogue box, select “Security.” In both browsers, make the site is what you assume it to be.

Use a safe form of payment. When we pay for things online we need to make sure that we are protecting ourselves accordingly. Avoid sending cash or personal checks. Using credit cards can provide some protection against fraud, and you can dispute a charge. Use payment services as much as you can. Services such as PayPal and Amazon Payments act as middlemen and prevent the sending of your credit card to potentially fraudulent retailers.

Check your bank statements. During the holiday season, we recommend that you frequently monitor your credit card, debit card, or checking account statements online to ensure unnecessary fees are not being added without your knowledge and to catch fraudulent activity quickly.

Resources

Better Business Bureau – http://www.bbb.org/online
TRUSTe – http://www.truste.com
PayPal – https://www.paypal.com
Amazon Payments – https://payments.amazon.com/adui/adui/home
Antivirus Software
o McAfee – http://www.mcafee.com
o Symantec – http://www.norton.com
o Kaspersky – http://www.kaspersky.com
o Trend Micro – http://www.trendmicro.com

[Source: YahooSafely]
For more information about protecting your Internet security, please visit security.yahoo.com.

*This article was written by Yahoo! Inc. Chief Information Security Officer Justin Somaini as a guest contributor to Yahoo! Safely.

THOSE WHO VICTIMIZE CHILDREN ARE USUALLY NOT STRANGERS

2011-12-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

The recent events at Penn State University and Syracuse University serve as reminders that the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is an all-too-present fact of modern life. Yet, millions of Americans do not believe that this problem exists at all. Why?

Overwhelmingly, the child victims do not tell. Leading scholars and researchers tell us that at least 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be sexually victimized in some way before they reach the age of 18, and just 1 in 3 will tell anybody about it. These are America’s hidden victims. We have made progress as a nation in attacking this problem but even today, two out of three child victims suffer in silence. They don’t tell Mom, they don’t tell Dad, they don’t tell anybody.

Millions doubt the existence of these heinous crimes for another reason. The offenders do not match society’s stereotype. Most Americans want to believe that someone who would prey upon a child sexually is evil-looking, a menacing, frightening stranger.

Yet, we have learned that most often those who victimize children are not strangers to the child, they are known to the child. They seek out legitimate access to the child. We should never be shocked when someone who abuses a child is a volunteer or employee of a youth-serving organization, or a school, or a daycare center, or many other settings that provide easy, low-risk access to children. That is why the leading child-serving organizations have taken bold steps to do background screening of their staff and volunteers, and then monitor and supervise the interactions between adults and children.

In monitoring sex offender treatment groups and programs, one hears a chilling word, “grooming.” Most often, these offenders who prey upon children do not snatch their victims randomly from the streets, they groom their victims, win their confidence and trust through friendship, kindness, and then they violate it. In so many of these cases, the child is made to feel responsible, like it is his or her fault. And the child is often intimidated or threatened by this person of trust and authority.

Even if they decide to tell, will anyone listen to them? Will anyone understand? These children feel that no one will believe them even if they do speak out, and too many adults simply do not listen to or understand what children try to tell us.

The offenders are not dirty, menacing strangers, they are respectable citizens – doctors, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, police officers. Often they are people who outwardly show deep and enduring commitment to helping children in need.

What can you do? What can every citizen do? First, communicate with your children and empower them. Make sure that they understand that you love them, trust them, believe them and that if anyone ever touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell you or a trusted adult.

Second, the first line of defense is a vigilant public. If you see it, know about it or suspect it, report it. Call your local police and then call 1 (800) THE LOST or report it to www.cybertipline.com, at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The sexual exploitation of children is not a problem that only happens somewhere else. It is happening in big cities and small towns across America. Thousands of children fall victim to sexual exploitation every year. We need to do more. Because every child deserves a safe childhood.

By Ernie Allen, President and CEO National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

*This commentary first appeared in the Opinion Section on FoxNews.com on 12/09/2011

Stopping Child Exploitation on Social Media

2011-12-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Child Quest International (CQI) is actively involved in protecting children by stopping child exploitation and victimization on the streets and online. One of our goals is to help #StopPedophilePromotingProfiles on social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, etc). It is disgusting that these profiles are protected on many sights under the guise of "free speech". Pathetic. We LOVE our freedom of speech, but it is appalling that that "right" is being manipulated and accepted by sites like Twitter which allows users to victimize and exploit children!

Social Media MUST be socially conscious and accountable in order to PROTECT KIDS! This finger-pointing "not our problem/fault" mentality MUST STOP! It is everyone's responsibility to protect kids from both being exploited and being exposed to exploitation and inappropriate material. After all, it is not like these profiles are age restricted or anything. Even porn has age restrictions (for the most part), but yet no restrictions for pedophile promoting profiles??? That is a problem.

In light of a recent situation on Twitter, we are now proud to say we are gaining on these scum bags! Twitter (and other social networks) has been allowing its users to promote child sex abuse with links to graphic sexual exploitation images and videos, videos that project child porn. While Twitter will not delete these accounts (#FAIL @TWITTER), we have been able to get the external links content BLOCKED. By working with Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the CyberTipline, and morally conscious founders at these external sites, Child Quest International got two child sexual exploitation videos blocked. The users profile has been blocked as well, keeping further content from being posted.

Unfortunately, this is where frustration ensues! We have reported this individuals account to Twitter (along with a number of other Twitter users and concerned adults) and still they refuse to remove or block his account. Here is there responses to our complaints and request... they are yet to reply to our last response (which we have submitted multiple times). Here is the email thread below:

[From CQI to Twitter cp@twitter.com Dec-15 02:27 pm PST]

Hello Twitter,
We have gotten a number of complaints from concerned individuals regarding Twitter user:

@Ambercolesdadd Profile: https://twitter.com/#!/AmberColesDadd - James Cole @AmberColesDadd "With My Family I love my wife and my 14 yr old daughter amber they mean the world to me!...Creator of #SkecherGang".

Why has Twitter not deleted his account? He post mainly (if not all) comment on his 14 year old daughter performing sex acts for money. In addition to his written post he also provides external links to possible child pornography pictures and videos.

Here are 3 post from @Ambercolesdadd that confirm my complaint:

@AmberColesDadd (James Cole) Post Dec 9, 2011
"oomf Jus came over n fucked the shit out my daughter..I wanted 2 tell him
stop but he paid already s/o 2 that nigga even tho he was $2 short"

@AmberColesDadd (James Cole) Post Dec 6, 2011
Amber Cole PT 2 twit/PRrk <http://t.co/oy7F9><https://twitter.com/#%/AmberColesDadd/status/144247637451878400>*** (Included link to possible child pornography, link broke on purpose for this post)

@AmberColesDadd (James Cole) Post Dec 6, 2011
New Girl Karmen Full Vid!! "Givin Neck 4 Respect" #*BlindFury*<https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23BlindFury&twit/Pt2Qfym <http://t.co/k2hRQPgA> v (Included link to possible child pornography, link broke on purpose for this post)

Please reply as I have already contacted the external links website to get these videos blocked on their site. This predator should be blocked on Twitter as well.

Thank you,
Child Quest International

[Twitter response to CQI Dec-15 02:58 pm PST]

Hello,
Thank you for the report.

We do not tolerate child pornography on Twitter. When we are made aware of such images they will be removed from the site without further notice.

For accounts that have not posted such images, if they are determined to fall within these guidelines (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2447 ), we do report them to the National Coalition for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); law enforcement is then able to review those reports and determine which they believe merit further investigation.

As we are not law enforcement, we cannot engage in offline investigations of violations of the law. However, we do notify law enforcement agencies who can. As such, it's important to remember that simply removing accounts and/or Tweets does not result in the underlying possible criminal act being identified and prosecuted and can instead lead to the removal of evidence that law enforcement may need to determine whether or not charges should be brought and/or an investigation begun.

You are also welcome to file an additional complaint with NCMEC to provide them with context or more information; you'll find the link here: https://secure.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/CybertipServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US

Thanks,
Twitter Trust & Safety

[From CQI to Twitter Dec-15 03:33 pm PST]

Hello Twitter,

Thank you for your prompt response. Unfortunately, your response does not align with what the Twitter Child Pornography Policy states https://support.twitter.com/groups/33-report-a-violation/topics/148-policy-information/articles/37370-child-pornography-policy

According to Twitter policy: "Twitter removes content promoting child pornography. We do not tolerate child pornography on Twitter. When we are made aware of links to images of or content promoting child pornography they will be removed from the site without further notice and reported to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children ("NCMEC"); we permanently suspend accounts containing updates with links to child pornography." That is a direct quote from the Twitter help center.

Obviously, James Cole AKA @AmberColesDadd is promoting child pornography with his twitter account content. And according to Twitter policy as stated above, once Twitter is made aware of "content promoting child pornography they will be removed from the site without further notice and reported to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children ("NCMEC"); we permanently suspend accounts containing updates with links to child pornography."

Why has this not been done for @Ambercolesdadd's account? His content is promoting child pornography as in example from this post, "oomf Jus came over n fucked the shit out my daughter..I wanted 2 tell him stop but he paid already s/o 2 that nigga even tho he was $2 short". This is just one of many child sex content tweets, in addition to the others I have already submitted. Again his account states that his daughter is ONLY 14 YEARS OLD and his tweets are promoting child pornography and child sex for money (AKA Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children).

Again, we request that this user account be removed immediately as it violates Twitter's Child Pornography Policy.

Well, since we sent that reply, communication has come to a halt. They are yet to respond (we have sent 2 additional request since this last email and still NO RESPONSE). We'll keep ya posted on what happens next.

"All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke

5 Things You Should Know About Online Scams

2011-12-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Criminals use a variety of methods to trick people online. Check out this list of some of the most common online scams.
“Swatting,” a new and dangerous twist on the classic prank call, involves Internet pranksters getting swat teams to surround the homes of their unsuspecting victims, like in this case.
If you've been a victim of an online scam, you can report it to IC3, the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Challenge your teen to test his or her Internet surfing habits with this quiz from the McAfee security company. Then, take it yourself and compare your scores.
Are you planning to avoid the in-store holiday rush by shopping online? Then you may want to read this article about some common methods of identity theft and ways to protect your family.

[Source: NetSmartz.org]

Keeping Hope Alive!

2011-11-30T14:30:00.001-08:00

Child Quest International as been directly involved in the safe recovery of
38 missing children in 2011.

We would not have been able to help these children and their left-behind families without
YOUR support and assistance.

Thank YOU for taking the time and effort to help Child Quest International protect children
and for joining our mission to stop child victimization.

Together WE ARE KEEPING HOPE ALIVE for all missing children!

The Reality of Missing Children...

2011-11-30T12:03:00.001-08:00

Approx. 115 Kids go missing eachyear by "Stereotypical" kidnappings. Approx. 203,900 kids go missingeach year by FAMILY ABDUCTION! And according to the Office of Juvenile Justiceand Delinquency Prevention, approx 1.6 million children run away from home eachyear. Of course not all of these runaway children stay on the streets for verylong, but roughly half do! This is a major problem for children, families, andthe community as many run away children turn to drug dealing, prostitution, andpanhandling in order to get by on the streets. While many missing childrenagencies do not work runaway cases, CQI is Keeping Hope Alive for ALL missingchildren and is available to assist in the recovery of both abducted andrunaway children.

Our Toll Free reporting hotline number is 1-888-818-HOPE (4673).

[Statistic Sources: NCMEC & NRS]

[Photo Source: FBI]

2011-11-23T11:00:00.001-08:00

We are thankful for your support.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

~Child Quest International

Inside AMBER Alert

2011-11-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

Whena child is abducted, there is a frantic search for their kidnapper. When anAMBER Alert is launched in California, your eyes and ears can help save thatchild's life.

CBS47'sSteve McCarron takes an exclusive look into who is behind California's AMBERAlert system, what's being done to improve it and how you can step in whenseconds count.

Victor Perez will never look at the view from his frontporch the same ever again. On October 4, 2010, breaking news was spreadingquickly about the AMBER Alert issued for an 8-year-old girl kidnapped from thefront yard of her Central Fresno home.

Perez,who was not working that day, recognized the suspect's truck from news reportsand it was driving right down his street. “Never in my wildest dreams did Ithink it would be down the street where that happened. He was making a U-Turnright here,” said Perez.

Withadrenaline pumping, something inside prompted Perez to step in and help. He gotinto his truck and tried to stop the suspect, 25-year-old Gregorio Gonzalez. Hetried to cut off the truck several times before the chase came to a crashingend and the girl was set free.

“Thelook in her face, you know, said a million words, you know? Finally when me andher were face-to-face, she was having like a nervous breakdown like she cameout of a freezer,” said Perez, whose brave actions that cold, fall morninghelped save the young girl’s life.

Stateleaders say this case is an example of how California's AMBER Alert Systemis supposed to work.

Descriptionsof abducted children under the age of 18, suspects, and vehicle informationreleased to the public that will hopefully lead to a successful ending.

GeorgeRunner, who now serves on the State's Board of Equalization, wrote the originalbill in 2002 that created California's AMBER Alert System. “We felt that it wasa really efficient, effective way to get people engaged. Quite frankly, at thatpoint, we didn't realize how effective it would be,” said Runner.

Overthe last nine years, 222 victims have been safely rescued or recovered inCalifornia and 110 suspects have been taken into custody.

CBS47'sSteve McCarron visited the top-secret room in Sacramento called the"Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center" or ENTAC, whereevery AMBER Alert is launched.

CBS47is the first Fresno television station invited inside to see how itworks.

Foryears, current California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief L.D. Maples had thefinal word on each AMBER Alert Activation. “AMBER Alerts work best when it'stargeted, specific information for effectiveness and efficiency reasons,” saidMaples.

Ifa case called in from a local police or sheriff's department fits severalstrict criteria, officials at ENTAC can authorize an alert, sending out usefulinformation to the public through the media and highway signs in specificregions of the state or counties.

Thealerts can even show up on tens of thousands of lottery machines statewide allat once.

“There'snot really, in my experience, another example of something that's a bettercollaborative effort between public, private sector, and the media thatproduces the fact that if you can save one kid... Then obviously it's veryeffective,” said Maples.

Maplessays the future of California's system lies heavily on the technology oftomorrow. You can already sign-up for AMBERAlerts through most cell phone providers, Twitter, and Facebook,but in a state of 37 million people, only 17,000 have joined California's AMBERAlert Facebookpage.

Maplessays public involvement is key to making it work. “Time is absolutely the worstenemy in a child abduction, besides the person abducting the child, so theclock is something law enforcement is working against,” said Maples.

Thesedays, Perez says he pays closer attention to every AMBER Alert that's issued.Over the past 14 months, he's received a slew of accolades from local and stateleaders that now line the mantel inside his cousin's home, along with his favorite– a picture drawn by the little girl he saved.

VictorPerez has been praised as a hero and a Good Samaritan, all because he heard theAMBER Alert and got involved.

Perezis currently working toward one day opening his own contracting business.

Thesuspect, Gregorio Gonzalez, is currently in the Fresno County Jail andscheduled to appear in court again on December 15th.

Below is a list of resources for missing children. There are also several websites to signup for AMBER Alerts in the related links.

CaliforniaHighway Patrol

1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247)

Missing Children Hotline

1-800-222-FIND (1-800-222-3463)

Child Quest International

1-888-818-HOPE(1-888-818-4673)

Officeof Victim Services

(877)433-9069

National Center for Missing andExploited Children (NCMEC)

1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

[Source:CBS47.tv]

How Parents Can Keep Children Safe While Shopping & Traveling This Holiday Season

2011-11-16T15:18:00.001-08:00

Parents need to be careful not tolet their guard down or become distracted while traveling or attending publicfunctions during the 2011 holiday season. The National Center for Missing& Exploited Children (NCMEC) has put together this holiday list to helpeducate parents about what they should be telling their children to keep themsafe while shopping and traveling this busy and festive season.

Parents need to talk with childrenabout safety before heading out to a busy shopping mall or boarding a plane,train, or bus this holiday season. Crowds are greater this time of year andchildren may easily become separated from their parents, causing confusion andfear. If that should happen, parents need a plan and children should know whatto do.

ALWAYS:

Keep children with you at all times while shopping.
Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.
Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.
Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.
Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.

NEVER:

Dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names, prompting unwelcome attention from people looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your child.
Leave children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision from store personnel.
Go shopping or attend a public event with a child if you feel you’re going to be distracted. Make other arrangements for child care ahead of time.
Allow younger children to shop on their own to purchase surprise gifts for friends or family members.
Drop off older children at a mall or public place without agreeing on a clear plan for picking them up, including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

If your child is flying or riding atrain or bus alone this holiday season, NCMEC and Child Quest International urge parents to remember thefollowing travel safety tips:

When you make reservations for your child, specify that the child will be traveling alone.
Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.
Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.
In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.
Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.
Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.
Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

Additional safety tips can be found at: www.childquest.org

[Source: National Center For Missing & Exploited Children]

New Report Published By Pew Research Center

2011-11-15T11:05:00.001-08:00

As social media use has become pervasive in the lives of American teens, there have been increasing reports of bullying and other negative implications. In an effort to navigate many conflicting reports on online experiences, the goal of a new report by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project is to explore the concept of digital citizenship and how that concept might be formulated into a doable and coherent survey.

The report, “Teens,Kindness and Cruelty on Social Network Sites”, aims to understand the typesof experiences teens are having on social networking sites and how they areaddressing negative behavior when they see it or experience it.

“Social media use has become so pervasive in the lives of American teensthat having a presence on a social network site is almost synonymous with beingonline,” the study says. “Fully 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are now online and80% of those online teens are users of social media sites.”

Fielded April 19-July 14, 2011, the study was administered by cell phone andlandline in English and Spanish, to 799 teens ages 12-17 and a parent orguardian. A few of its key findings include:

The majority of social media-using teens say their peers are mostly kindto one another on social network sites. Their views are less positive thanthose of social media-using adults.
88% of social media-using teens have witnessed other people be mean orcruel on social network sites.
15% of social media-using teens say they have been the target of onlinemeanness.
More teens report positive personal outcomes than negative ones frominteractions on social network sites: 78% report at least one good outcome and41% report at least one negative outcome.
19% of teens have been bullied in the past year in some form either inperson, online, by text, or by phone
A majority of teens say their own reaction has been to ignore meanbehavior when they see it on social media.
2/3rds of teens who have witnessed online cruelty have also witnessedothers joining in—and 21% say they have also joined in the harassment.
55% of all online teens say they have decided not to post content thatmight reflect poorly on them in the future.
A notable number of teens also engage in online practices that may havethe potential to compromise their safety online.
39% of all parents of teens have connected to their child on a socialnetwork site, but that does not necessarily prevent online trouble for theteen.

Read the fullreport to see more detailed findings and analysis of these topics: teensand social networks, privacy and safety issues, parents and online socialspaces, social media and digital citizenship, and the role of parents indigital safekeeping and advice-giving.

[Source: Yahoo!Safely & PewResearch.org]

Donate Your Vehicle or Vessel Today! Tax Deductible!

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Donating a vehicle or vessel to Child Quest International (CQI) provides crucial support to missing children and child victims of exploitation. If you have an unwanted vehicle, running or not, donate it to CQI and help protect kids while getting a tax deduction! Our car donation program will pick up your unwanted vehicle or vessel and process all paper at no charge!

Call Toll Free 866-617-2927 for FAST and FREE pickup by a local towing service.

✯Donation proceeds go to the protection and recovery of Missing & Exploited Children.

✯We accept almost any vehicle/vessel, RUNNING or NOT! (trucks, vans, RVs, boats, etc)

✯Fast and professional pick up of your donation running or not.

✯TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION!!!

✯We also accept Real Estate and Time Shares.

Please visit our vehicle donation website to donate, or for more information on Child Quest International, please visit our Facebook Page and Profile.

Happy Veterans Day

2011-11-11T09:08:00.001-08:00

We protect children, you protect ALL of us.

Thank you, Veterans.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of Veterans Day,

we recommend the following organizations:

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Disabled American Veterans

Wounded Warrior Project

American Legion

AMVETS

We simply couldn't have said it better ourselves....

2011-11-10T14:33:00.001-08:00

"Penn State's Paterno deserves no pity"

By David Haugh - Shed no tears for Joe Paterno. Save your pity for the innocent boys who will grow up into tortured men, not JoePa.

Spare me the indignation over Penn State Board of Trustees firing Paterno on Wednesday night over the phone.

HadPaterno picked one up 13 years ago and called the most powerful law-enforcementofficial he knew in the state, not just the top campus cop, he might have savedinnocent boys from an alleged pedophile -- and quite likely his job, his schooland his legacy.

Penn State removed Paterno from that job because, finally, somebody in CreepyValley did the right thing. Somebody followed a conscience instead of auniversity handbook. That it came 13 years too late will haunt State College,Pa., forever. It will indelibly stain Paterno's Hall of Fame tenure, as if thatmatters.

It never will be enough for the alleged victims of Jerry Sandusky, the formerPenn State assistant coach charged with 40 counts of child sexual abuse.

There are no winners here, all goats and no heroes, but Paterno's ouster was adevelopment worth applauding more than protesting. This was a decision thatshould have provoked more acceptance than defiance.

So what were the Penn State students possibly thinking as they rioted all overcampus and tipped over cars and a satellite truck? When will they realize,after the buzz wears off and sobering reality sinks in, that they weredefending the right to cover up pedophilia? As much as they love JoePa, that'sthe harsh reality.

WoodyHayes threw a punch. Bob Knight threw a chair. But in 10 years or so we willremember Paterno as much as anything for the alleged molestation he enabledthat made us want to throw up. He always can be referred to as a great footballcoach. But I still cringed hearing loyal ex-players refer to Paterno as a greatman.

Yes, the good Paterno did at Penn State outweighed the bad over six decades. Tosome it's complicated. To others it's simple. Right now, I still see a guy whowas one of Pennsylvania's most powerful people who looked away and failed to protectchildren. Right now, the details of the 23-page grand jury report used toindict Sandusky last Saturday remain too fresh to think Paterno earned theright to leave on his own terms.

He didn't.

*Toread the rest of this straight forward article from the Chicago Tribune, click here.

Teen Runaways: What's A Parent To Do?

2011-11-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

It is often hard for parents and the community to understand why teen’s runaway (which account for the largest group of missing children). In an effort to help shed some light on a problem plaguing our youth, here are a few reasons that may help you to understand the dilemma.

The harsh reality is that teens may often feel like they have to escape and get away from home to avoid abusive home lives. For example, maybe a parent has a drinking problem and disciplines their children with a heavy hand or disappears for days on end with children left to fend for themselves. Or another example is a father (or someone else in the family circle) who is a bit too “touchy-feely” with the children and they have no one to turn to for help out of fear that no one will believe them. For some children, running away seems like the only solution to a life shattering problems.

It is possible for a teen to runaway just because of feeling like they are misunderstood. Right or wrong, they are searching for others they can be themselves with or feel a sense of belonging. Other times it may be in the name of so-called “love”, and teens runaway to be with their significant other. Most teens don’t even realize and understand the consequences of these types of action, they act without thinking first. They simply react, which opens the door to Pandora’s Box. Many runaway youth fall victim to crime, drugs, sex slavery, and/or even worse, death.

In order to effectively and compassionately help these children, we, as a society, need to remember that "runaways" are victims too. For in-depth details on Why They Run, read the National Runaway Switchboard report here. For additonal facts about runaways, click here.

Warning Signs Your Teen Might Runaway

Even though one can never really know for sure what a teenager is thinking, there are signs that may be visible in your child’s behavior. One thing to look for is your current level of communication. Do you ever agree on anything or does it seem you only argue or fuss all the time or just keep conversations to a minimum due to “generational differences”. Does your teen act withdrawn and/or completely unsociable? Does your teen avoid interaction with family or family friends? Does your teen act strange or have extremely emotional feelings that are out of control? Has your teen been hanging out with bad company and/or others who drink alcohol, use drugs, or other teens that just go out to “look for trouble”? If you notice these signs, consider it a “red flag” and a warning sign that you need to reach out and try communicating with your teen before it is too late, even if you have to get outside help to do so.

What You Can Do As A Parent

While some responsibility lies with teens to be willing to face challenges in a mature and appropriate manner, it’s important for parents to do their part as parents. Try showing your teen respect and keep communication open, listening to what they have to say. Be willing to believe your children if they disclose sexual abuse to you (especially by a family member or family friend) and get them the help they need. Denying a child’s claim of sexual abuse will only victimize the child further and encourage them to runaway as their only solution. Don’t scream and yell, or threaten your teen, this too will only make them want to leave more. Try not to interrupt your teenager when they do come to you to talk, sometimes it helps the most to just listen, even if you have your reservations about something their telling you. If you don’t agree with your child at least listen to their side, then calmly give your side, if things start to get out of control, take a break and revisit the conversation after both sides have had a “cooling-down” period. Bottom line, communication is the key to your child's safety and it should be a family priority.

If you feel your child may runaway, you can seek professional help through counseling, or just try talking to them and explain how much you love them, and that you will always be there for them.

Family resources for runaway prevention:

Boys Town 1-800-448-3000

National Runaway Switchboard 1-800-RUNAWAY

Resources if your child has runaway:

Child Quest International 1-888-818-HOPE

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678

New Study: Online Predators, Victims, & Myths

2011-11-10T09:59:00.001-08:00

We've all seen the Dateline series: To Catch A Predator. So, the fact that predators lurk online to prey on young children and teenagers is nothing new to you. The reality is that allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore a major metropolitan area by themselves. Probably not the best idea, right? The Internet, like a city, offers an enormous array of entertainment and educational resources but also presents some potential risks. One of the greatest potential risks, in addition to bullying and exposure to inappropriate material, is child predators.

There are many myths about how predators operate. For instance, did you know that most predators don't pretend to be teens to lure their victims? This new study from the University of New Hampshire and Internet Solutions For Kids, Inc. will help you separate fact from fiction.

Online “Predators” and Their Victims: Myths, Realities, and Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Help Your Child Manage a Positive Online Reputation

2011-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

rep·u·ta·tion noun \ˌre-pyə-ˈtā-shən\ - (a) overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general (b) recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability.

At Child Quest International, we believe your digital reputation is defined by your behaviour in any online environment and by the content that you share about yourself and others in digital format.

We’re living digitized lives these days. Everything we say and do is captured, uploaded and archived across a number of connected devices.

That means that the video of you doing the electric slide in a banana suit at Aunt Marie’s 50th birthday party has a potential shelf life of forever once it has been uploaded to the web. Although your aunt has since deleted the embarrassing video, who knows how many people have found it and posted it somewhere else?

But enough about you—the real issue is how do you manage your child’s online reputation? With this inability to ultimately govern our data files, we need to embrace the importance of a positive online reputation and communicate that message to our youth.

Telling is good but asking is better

Parents, an open dialogue is critical to teaching your children how to manage their personal standing online. To create a positive reputation, serious thought must be given to how your children want to craft their online images. Think of it as building one’s own personal brand. What type of impression do your kids want to leave with others? What type of feeling do they want others to experience when engaging with their web presence?

Ask your kids about their online habits. Join the social networking sites that they belong to—see how they work, find out who else has joined, even “friend” your children.

You may be worried about cyberstalking your kids on Facebook and don’t want to invade their privacy. Don’t feel guilty about monitoring their networking activity. You’re giving them a false sense of security by leading them to believe that privacy exists on the Internet.

Remember: Children don’t yet fully understand the complexity of the advantages and pitfalls that arise from online social navigation. Adult supervision for proper online security is crucial if they are to make sound digital communication decisions.

Social media guidance at school

Teachers, counselors, administrators - engage your students in discussions on how reputations have been created and destroyed by something as simple as an email or a photo taken by a mobile phone. Highlight how celebrities, sports figures, beauty queens and politicians have all experienced the fallout from bad decisions that now exist on the web for eternity.

Students may be familiar with the immediate consequences of social media mishaps. However, it’s vital that they grasp how their behavior across all digital devices strongly affects future opportunities as well, like admission to college, receiving scholarships and gaining employment.

Your young ones may not know it—and certainly would never admit it—but they need your help to cultivate successful online reputations. When you guide your children in posting positive images, videos, comments, etc., they get recognized in ways that will open doors to brilliant futures.

It’s your job to protect your child online

With the appropriate supervision, your kids will be seen as thought leaders, community participants, innovators and humanitarians. They will be recognized for their ideas and their ability to reach out globally. The Internet is a tool that offers boundless, attainable opportunities; they just need your help to make it happen.

Tips from iKeepSafe.org on how to help you manage your child’s online reputation:

1–To help your child create a positive brand, assist him or her in creating a website, blog or electronic portfolio. Use these digital vehicles to document accomplishments, community service and concern for current events taking place across the street and around the world.

2–With your child, scan and search what has been written about him or her online. This can be done on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis—whatever is manageable for the both of you.

3–If your child has uploaded or texted damaging information, act immediately to pull what has been posted. Contact your internet service provider, cell phone company, the website, etc. and walk through the process of how to remove the information.

[Source: © iKeepSafe.org]

National Study from Common Sense Media Documents Media Use by Children Ages 0 to 8

2011-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2011 - Did you read to your kids today? Did you hand over your iPhone at the grocery store? If so, you're not alone.

How families use media and what it means for kids' health and well-being is the subject of Zero to Eight: Children's Media Use in America, the first study by Common Sense Media's new Program for the Study of Children and Media. The report is featured in both the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle today.

The study shows that everything from iPods to smartphones to tablet computers are now a regular part of kids' lives, with kids under 8 averaging two hours a day with all screen media. Among the key findings:

42% of children under 8 years old have a television in their bedroom.
Half (52%) of all 0- to 8-year-olds have access to a new mobile device, such as a smartphone, video iPod, or iPad/tablet.
More than a third (38%) of children this age have used one of these devices, including 10% of 0-to 1-year-olds, 39% of 2- to 4-year-olds, and more than half (52%) of 5- to 8-year-olds.
In a typical day, one in 10 (11%) 0- to 8-year-olds uses a smartphone, video iPod, iPad, or similar device to play games, watch videos, or use other apps. Those who do such activities spend an average of 43 minutes a day doing so.
In addition to the traditional digital divide, a new "app gap" has developed, with only 14% of lower-income parents having downloaded new media apps for their kids to use, compared to 47% of upper-income parents.

Clearly, media has become a staple in young kids' daily lives and influences them in ways we don't yet fully understand. But by getting involved in your kid's media life, you can help them create healthy lifelong patterns that will truly make a difference in their lives:

Balance the types of media your kids are exposed to.
Choose age-appropriate, quality content that reinforces your family's values.
Watch, play, read, and listen with your kids. Don't underestimate the value of co-viewing

About the Common Sense Media Research Program
The release of today's study serves as the launch of Common Sense Media's Program for the Study of Children and Media, a multi-year research effort directed by Vicky Rideout, a former vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation.The goal of the program is to provide parents, educators, health organizations, and policymakers with reliable, independent data on children's use of media and technology and the impact this has on their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development.

For analysis and full results of Zero to Eight: Children's Media Use in America, as well as more information about Common Sense Media's Program for the Study of Children and Media, visit www.commonsense.org/research.

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Have a SAFE & HAPPY Halloween with these safety tips!

UPDATE: Our friends at "A Child Is Missing" reminded us of another important Halloween Safety Tip: On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween as compared with other days of the year, according to the Quad-Cities Safe Kids coalition. The risk of a child being hit by a car is roughly four times higher on Halloween as any other night, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because children have limited attention spans, they need to be reminded often about how to cross the road safely! Be Safe!

Click on the poster to print copies for your family & community.

Suzanne's Law

2011-10-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Suzanne's Law'' requires local authorities to notify the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) immediately if someone between the ages of 18and 21 goes missing. Suzanne's Law was signed into law by President Bush as part of the PROTECT Act of 2003.

The federal law is named after Suzanne Lyall (pictured above), a State University of New York at Albany student who has been missing since 1998. Prior to Suzanne's Law, police were only required to report missing persons under the age of 18. In the Lyall case, police did not begin investigating Suzanne's disappearance until nearly two days after Suzannedisappeared. The law named after her and drafted by Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, is designed to spur immediate police investigation when college-age people disappear instead ofwaiting a day, which had been a common practice in these types of cases. "A lot can happen in two days. You can go to China in two days,''said Mary.

Doug and Mary Lyall, Suzanne's parents championed the law. "I just hope that it's going to bring back some of these kids," said Mary Lyall in an Associated Press article. "They need as much protection while they're at college."

Child Quest International (CQI) is an avid supporter of Suzanne's Law. Unfortunately, Suzanne's Law is not standard operating procedure for many law enforcement agencies across the U.S. Due to lack of awareness by these agencies, many left-behind families are met with resistance when trying to report their adult children missing. This has become a disappointing and frustrating roadblock in the recovery efforts for many left-behind family members. In our ongoing effort to protect kids and reunite loved ones, CQI regularly assist 18-21 year old missing person cases because of Suzanne's Law, and we continue to educate law enforcement on the importance of the PROTECT Act of 2003.

Doug and Mary Lyall are an inspiration to us, and we are proud to call them our friends as well as allies in the ongoing fight to protect kids and reunite loved ones. Keeping Hope Alive!

OJJDP 2011 Conference for Children's Justice and Safety

2011-10-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

ChildQuest International, Inc. is looking forward to networking & trainingopportunities at OJJDP's Conference for Children's Justice and Safety Oct11-14, 2011 in Washington DC.

Over 2000participants are expected at this 1st annual Washington DC conference whereleading experts and researchers will address key issues and best practices injuvenile justice, delinquency prevention, and victimization.

ChildQuest is honored to have been invited and looks forward to seeing our manycolleagues and friends from across the country. We also look forward to makingnew contacts and gathering new information to help us in our mission to protectand recover children.

Find out more about the OJJDP's Conference for Children'sJustice and Safety, visit http://www.ojjdp.gov/2011conference/

Keeping Hope Alive: Missing Teen Reunites With Family After 4 Years

2011-10-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

VENTURA, CA -- We are ecstatic toremove Chioma Gray's picture from our website today! After 4 years, shereturned home safely last night.

Chioma Gray, 19, arrived in LosAngeles on a flight from Mexico City. She was 15 years old when she was lastseen getting into a car allegedly stolen by a 20-year-old man and then drivento Mexico.

Ventura police went to Los AngelesInternational Airport Wednesday to bring Tafoya back to Ventura County, wherehe'll be booked. It's not clear what charges he will face.

Please take a minute to see if you recognize any ofthe other missing children on our website.

[Source: KABC-TV/DT]

AMBER Alert Dilemma

2011-10-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Houston, we have a problem.... There have been numerous issues with state specific AMBER Alert system guidelines and usage in the recent months. Unfortunately, as good as AMBER Alert is, this has been a long standing dilemma for victims, left-behind families, and the communities it was designed to help.

Uniformguidelines & criteria are the biggest issues facing missing children withregards to the AMBER Alert program. NOT EVERY STATE follows the same criteria& guidelines vary. These very aspects themselves need to be reviewed sothat the "system" has the a victims best interest in mind. We, as acommunity, need to petition state and federal legislation to create aNATIONWIDE AMBER Alert Program with a uniform & consistent criteria to helpprotect kids.

This problem is further compounded when you add in the public awareness side of the program. On the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) "Active AMBER Alert" website, the "official" website of AMBER Alert for missing children, it only list active AMBER Alerts for 10 days. When in fact, active alerts are still active if the child has not been recovered within those ten days. How is this a service with the victim's best interest in mind? It's not. From our perspective, this is a disservice to the missing person and their family as well as the community in which these alerts serve.

Fortunately, their is a great website that is picking up the slack (in addition to Child Quest International). AmberAlert.com keeps active AMBER Alerts posted well after the 10 days that NCMEC keeps them posted. While we continue to share information on active AMBER Alerts and all missing children, be sure to check your states AMBER plan http://www.amberalert.gov/state_contacts.htm.

Media Is Important In All Missing Person Cases

2011-09-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is an interview we did with the local NBC Bay Area news channel. Sadly, it was pertaining to the recovery of Michelle Le's body. While we always hope for the safe return of a missing individual, Michelle's family did an amazing job of keeping hope alive and keeping her story in the media. The media plays an important role in the recovery of any missing person*. We would like to share our deepest condolences with the Le family and friends. We would also like to thank NBC Bay Area for their active involvement and coverage of missing children and adults.

*Sade Sweetwyne has been located since this broadcast (media coverage works!).

CQI Success Story: "Today, Justice was Served"

2011-09-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thisletter was written to Child Quest International (CQI) by a left-behind familymember. Jennifer's sister was solicited by an onlinepredator. While many agencies just disregarded the case as anotherrunaway, here is what CQI did for the victim and the family. 11 months later, justice has been served:

September 12, 2011

Dear Marcia andChild Quest,

I want to send you a very big thank you. 11 months ago I had never heardof Child Quest [International]. I knew nothing of your organization. Never even imagined Iwould have to know or be involved with organizations for missing children.Children go missing every day, but to me that was something that happened tothose people in the papers, people on the news. It wasn’t something thataffected me.

Then October 24, 2010 came. The day my sister’s abductor decidedto take her. For the first 24 hours she was missing and labeled as a runaway. I did not know who to contact or what the correct steps were. All I knew is Ineeded to find my sister, and worked every possible angle possible. On Mondaythe 25th, my husband decided to search missing persons organizations on the Internet. We needed direction, and fast.

That was when we found Child Quest.When we called other organizations for help, there reaction time andinformation was no where as quick and resourceful as [Child Quest]. You gave me names,numbers, websites, forms…everything I needed to get the ball rolling on mysisters case. Within 12 hours of speaking to all your contacts, the FBI hadbecome involved and my sisters status was being changed as a “runaway” to an“endangered child.” 6 hours after my sisters label changed she was now thefocus of an AMBER Alert.

At 1:37 am on Tuesday October 26th, my sister becamethe focus of an AMBER Alert, and within 9 hours, she was found with her adultabductor in another state, hiding in a van at a dirt bag motel. 27 hours aftermy first contact with Marcia, my sister was found. I can not begin to explainhow much you all at Child Quest have meant to me for the past year. You guysgot the ball rolling and I am eternally grateful to you.

Today was my sisters abductors sentencing. I am so very pleased to tellyou the out come. Ivan Lopez was sentenced today to 84 months in Federal prison. He wasalso sentenced to LIFE probation.

When I went into court this morning his defense attorney asked for 51months and 2 yrs probation, the prosecution asked for 71 months and 20 yearsprobation. However, his sentence was much more severe then even I could havehoped for.

It is still a very long road ahead inthe recovery process. I pray one day my sister will be able to look back atthis experience and understand the severity of what actually happened, but alsobe thankful that she didn’t become one of those more unfortunate statistics weall read about.

I appreciate all you did. Every family who ends up with a childmissing, deserves an organization like yours, helping them in their most diretime of need. People who go above and beyond to help those in need do not getenough proper recognition and thanks for their selfless acts. Today I want to THANK YOU justas I have thanked the FBI, the police and all the volunteers that helped me andmy family when my sister was abducted.

Today, Justice was Served!!!

Thank you,

Jennifer

Never Underestimate The Power of Facebook to Find a Missing Child!

2011-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

It is so rewarding when we learn that our efforts were instrumental in the recovery of a missing child!

We spoke to a searching family member today, who greatly appreciated Child Quest's help in the search for their daughter. They said "a great weight has been lifted from our shoulders today” and “we couldn’t have done it without the flyers Child Quest created and quickly updated whenever new information came in.” The family also appreciated Child Quest's collaboration with Law Enforcement, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, State Missing Children Clearinghouses, and other missing children organizations and advocates across the country.

According to the family, a store clerk 800 miles from their home recognized the missing child from a Child Quest flyer that was widely distributed across the U.S. and Canada via our vast network of Facebook friends. Law Enforcement was contacted, a search ensued, and the missing 15 year old was located with a 32 year old male at a nearby motel.

All of us at Child Quest would like to extend a BIG thanks to all of our Facebook friends that print and/or share our flyers with your friends. Together we are making a difference!

Founded in 1990, Child Quest International is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation dedicated to the protection and recovery of missing, abused and exploited children. Funded through individual and corporate donations, grants, and fundraising events, Child Quest never charges a fee to law enforcement or searching families. Child Quest Interntational is Keeping Hope Alive.

Changing the Legacy of Suicide

2011-09-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

37th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week
September 4th - 10th, 2011

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Sunday through Saturday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th.

You can get involved simply by sharing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), looking out for friends and loved ones and learning the warning signs for suicide.

See what other organizations are planning for Suicide Prevention Week 2011

Planning something for NSPW that you'd like to see covered on this page? Have any good suggestions for NSPW activities? Contact NSPW!

2011 National Suicide Prevention Week: Media & Information Kit [PDF]

FBI Launches Missing Child App For Parents

2011-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

The FBI has created it’s first-ever app for parents. KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid said it’s a very basic program in the event a child goes missing.

You simply take a photo of your child and type in personal identifying information. “You know, their gender, height, weight and any characteristics such as moles, scars anything like that and it stays on your phone. It doesn’t go anywhere,” said Magid. In the unlikely event a child goes missing, Magid explains parents can easily send the app info to the FBI.

While the FBI app is a step in the right direction to protect kids in the horrific event a child does go missing, Child Quest International's (CQI) Child Safety Instructor, Anthony Gonzalez, cautions parents to "be careful not to get a false sense of security because you can only use the app after a child goes missing". CQI strongly encourages prevention education as the foundation for your child's safety.

You can hear Larry Magid Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

[Source: KCBS/KPIX]

Back To School Safety & Abduction Prevention

2011-08-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... Time for kids of all ages to go back to school and learn lots of new, wonderful, and exciting things. At Child Quest, safety is always the first thing on our back to school checklist and should be on yours too. "Milk Cartons: The Way Back Home" is just one of the many educational resources we have avaliable to you to keep your kids safer during the school year... and everyday year round.

Child Quest’s highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning educational video, "Milk Cartons: The Way Back Home", was created to help children understand what they can do to prevent child abduction. Written by a San Jose Police Officer, Frank Swaringen, after interviewing sexual predators and child kidnappers about their luring methods, this video has been credited with preventing several abductions.

"Milk Cartons" is designed to keep children’s interest while teaching them valuable skills. Through an engaging story line, live action, exciting animation and special effects, children learn what they can do to keep themselves safe in a non-frightening manner.

The 28 minute video tells the story of Kevin, a young boy who has a day he'll never forget. A haunting stranger enters his life just before a class discussion on stranger abduction...a discussion he sleeps through. During his dream, the stranger, the school janitor, and the police officer leading the class discussion teach him some valuable lessons on how to stay safe. Animation, special effects, and live action all come together to bring the lessons home.

A guide for educators and parents is included with each video to help open the way for ongoing discussions with children about their safety.

Get a copy for your school or family today!

Don't forget about FREE safety tips!

What Should You Do If You See A Child Who Appears To Be Lost?

2011-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children^® (NCMEC) and Child Quest International^® (CQI)encourage people to be alert and report suspicious situations regarding missing children and children who appear to be lost.

Prevention education programs teach children to seek the assistance of adults who may be sources of help if they become lost. NCMEC and CQI encourage children to ask for help from adults such as uniformed law-enforcement, security officers and business/store personnel wearing nametags.

But what should YOU do when you see a child who appears to be lost? The steps noted below are ways you can provide assistance to a lost child.

Get involved if you see a child who appears to be lost.
Comfort the child but avoid physically touching him or her.
Ask the child if he or she is lost or knows the location of his or her parent/guardian.
Refrain from requesting too much personal information since children are taught not to give out this information to people they do not know.
Contact law-enforcement authorities to report the incident.
Ask other adults in the area for assistance in reporting the incident to a person in a position of authority in the area while waiting for law enforcement’s arrival.
Remain in the immediate location, and do not take the child elsewhere. Do not place the child in your vehicle and drive to a different location to seek help.
Wait with the child until help arrives.

[Source: http://www.missingkids.com/]

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System: CQI Selected As Victim Advocate

2011-08-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

Although electronic data systems exist for information about missing and unidentified deceased persons, there are many such databases and federally operated ones such as the National Crime Information Center that are not readily accessible to, or searchable by persons such as medical examiners, coroners, and other members of the public who need the information. The establishment of the web-based, public accessible National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (namus.gov) for both unidentified deceased persons (UID) and assumed alive missing persons (MP) has established, for the first time, a “One-Stop” data-system for all “participants” in the investigation of missing and unidentified deceased persons. Wide-spread use of this system could facilitate the location of missing persons who have died and the identification of deceased persons whose names and identities are unknown.

Child Quest International Director of Programs & Outreach, Anthony Gonzalez, has been nominated and selected to attend the NamUs Training Academy being held August 21-24, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA. With almost seven years experience working with missing children and left-behind families, Anthony expressed his delight to be selected as the Victim Advocate Representative for NamUs. "It's an honor to be the victim advocate for the missing and unidentified. With the NamUs database, we are going to be able to help a lot of families who are looking for answers," said Anthony.

The victim advocate representative must be a member of at least one of the “recognized” not-for-profit state or national missing person’s organizations (e.g., DOE Network, NCMEC, etc.). Individuals are chosen based on a proven track-record of professional conduct while working with the many “participants” in the investigation, location, and identification of missing persons. As the victim advocate, Anthony's primary responsibilities will be to support NamUs by:

          - performing basic case clean-up in UID Crosswalk
          - verifying cases awaiting publication to NamUs
          - serving as a NamUs resource for victim families
          - serving as a NamUs resource for other advocate agencies within state jurisdiction

- presenting at state and local missing persons conferences

The ultimate goals of a program like this is promoting and facilitating of consistent data collection and sharing protocols along with an understanding of the potential benefits associated with solving missing and unidentified person’s cases nationally.

Child Quest International is proud to support this ongoing goal.

More information on NamUs:

The Unidentified Persons Database contains information entered by medical examiners and coroners. Unidentified persons are people who have died and whose bodies have not been identified. Anyone can search this database using characteristics such as sex, race, distinct body features and even dental information.

The Missing Persons Database contains information about missing persons that can be entered by anyone; before it appears as a case on NamUs, the information is verified. NamUs provides the ability to print missing persons posters and even map out possible travel routes in a search for a missing person. Other resources include links to state clearinghouses, medical examiner and coroner offices, law enforcement agencies, victim assistance groups and pertinent legislation.

When a new missing persons or unidentified decedent case is entered into NamUs, the system automatically performs cross-matching comparisons between the databases, searching for matches or similarities between cases.

NamUs also provides free DNA testing and other forensic services, such as anthropology and odontology assistance.

[Source: www.namus.gov]

FREE. PRINTABLE. SAFETY TIPS 4 KIDS

2011-08-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

FREE Back-to-School Safety Tips for elementary age children. Click on safety tips above to get downloadable/printable version for free. Safety tips for the entire family avaliable at http://www.childquest.org/cqsafetytips.php

Missing Children Project: Working To Bring Missing Children Home

2011-08-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

TSM Advertising "Missing Children Project" works with Child Quest International (CQI) to locate missing children by showing their images on commercial screens. TSM and CQI have also developed a series of radio commercials designed to drive parents to the CQI website where they’ll find valuable information about keeping their children safe from abduction.

The objective of TSM’s and CQI's missing children TV project is to locate missing children by showing their images on commercial screens throughout the United States, thus providing thousands of people with the information necessary to help Child Quest International bring missing children home.

Law enforcement officials identified pictures as the single most important tool in the search for a missing child. One out of six children featured in photo campaigns is found as a direct result of the photo. The public plays a tremendously important role in the search for missing children, and photographs are the critical link between the public and law enforcement.

As part of this program, TSM and CQI will create partnerships with the business community allowing missing children’s images to be shown on commercial screens. Thus, developing an awareness program designed to deliver those images and vital information about missing children to the general public during commercial advertising time periods. The video commercial announcements may be shown during specific television programming (i.e. CNN Headline News), on retail screens in various locations (i.e. restaurants, supermarkets and malls), in movie theaters, at sporting events and so forth.

To find out more about missing children and child safety, please visit the CQI website at http://www.childquest.org/

NNO 2011: Photos

2011-08-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Our fearless leader jumps right in to help fingerprint kids and hand out safety information (in Spanish & English) to families at National Night Out 2011. Child Quest International Executive Director, Marcia Slacke, was among a number of community leaders at the Target sponsored National Night Out event in San Jose, CA (Story & King). Child Quest would like to thank our volunteers Lari, Jose, & Binh for their assistance in Keeping Hope Alive and keeping kids safe.

National Night Out 2011

2011-08-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

The 28th annual NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (NNO) is tonight and Child Quest International (CQI) is participating with the San Jose Strong Neighborhoods event sponsored by Target & NATW. The event is being held at the Target on Story Road (1750 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95122)

The 28th Annual National Night Out, a unique safety and community program sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;

• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;

• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and

• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

***Child Quest International purpose: to keep kids safe and spread awareness about those still missing.

Together with the San Jose community & Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, CQI will be providing FREE CHILD I.D. KITS & SAFETY TIPS in both Spanish & English. Please come join us as we work together to keep kids and the community safer with crime prevention at National Night Out 2011.

Many thanks to Target for their support in bringing this to the community. Child Quest would also like to thank our volunteers that are helping us tonight. We couldn’t do this without you!

Print FREE child safety tips from our website to distribute at your National Night Out event!

No Shame In Her Game: Casey Anthony Wants 1.5 Million For First Interview

2011-07-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

This headline hit the news a few days ago. It has generated quite the response from the public and media outlets alike. And most seem to be siding with the fact the journalism outlets with a shred of dignity should not and will not offer Casey Anthony any money or enter into negotiations for paid interviews with this [insert adjective & noun here for Casey Anthony].

"We can book just about anyone based on the strength of our journalism, the excellence of our anchors, correspondents, and producers, and the size of our audience," said ABC spokesman Jeffrey Schneider in an article from The Daily Beast.

Well said, Jeffery Schnider. All media outlets should be following this lead. NO MEDIA OUTLET SHOULD PAY for this woman's twisted details... Details we would struggle to believe anyways.

No one should ever exploit the tragic murder or lose of an innocent child, especially for financial gain! Any news/media outlet paying ANYONE for this story or interview should be boycotted.

Resources:

The Palm Beach Post http://bit.ly/pFz81C

Yahoo! News http://yhoo.it/nL0FJ2

The Orlando Sentinel http://thesent.nl/q5YuIg

PSA: Where Sheep Gather™

2011-07-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Internet has no equal in the areas of teaching, learning, and communicating. Users of all ages have global information and communication resources instantly accessible with the click of a button. Social media and Smartphone’s have accelerated this phenom as the social "norm" in recent years.

Child safety organizations, law enforcement, as well as parents and educators, are continually striving to find an approach that provides access to this wealth of knowledge without compromising a child's safety. The largest majority of Internet users (AKA The World) want to protect those in their care from inappropriate and offensive websites and potentially dangerous or life-threatening social media experiences (sexual solicitation, cyberbullying, and sexting).

There are some adequate tools available for parents dealing with young kids in the home (i.e. parental locks, filtering software), but what about kids out at a friend’s house, the public library or even that trusty Smartphone in their pocket?

Our prevention education PSA, titled Where Sheep Gather™, was produced to raise awareness about online safety and encourage parents to talk to their children. The overall goal was to develop this PSA into a 30 minute TV quality movie. The initial project was created as a collaboration between Child Quest, Detective Frank Swaringen of the San Jose Police Department, and selected Law Enforcement entities. Detective Swaringen wrote the script based on his experiences while working in the Sexual Assault Unit and interviewing child predators in jail. Detective Swaringen has designed programs and taught ‘Child Safety’ to thousands of children, parents, teachers, and Law Enforcement officers.

Unfortunately, due to funding, this project never made it past the PSA phase. The script is still ready for a full 30 minute TV quality movie. The goal was to produce a state-of-the art movie that has the production value of a first-rate teen movie of today and educational value for pre-teens, families and educators. The real-life drama we all know exist, aligning with today’s teen media experiences, this movie/video would portray the online dangers preteens and teens deal with every time they log on to the Internet.

For more information on this project or to find out about Internet safety presentations for your community, please email info@childquest.org

Law Enforcement Perspective: Exposing the Danger & Prevention

2011-07-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

At Child Quest International (CQI), we believe education is an essential element in keeping our youth safe. Providing awareness and safety education to children, teens, pre-teens, and parents is the foundation for our goal to stop child victimization.

We have long been a component of abduction prevention education with CQI’s Our Kids Are Safe Kids safety programs including our award-winning Milk Cartons: The Way back Home abduction safety video and radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education with certified instructors. In an effort to keep kids safer online, CQI has extended our curriculum to include Internet Safety with i-SAFE certified instructors for children and parents. Our nationally recognized programs are the leading prevention education programs in the nation. With the incorporation of the highly acclaimed Web Wise Kids and Netsmartz interactive educational programs, we feel our safety programs further assist the community in “Keeping Hope Alive” and keeping kids safer online.

Contact please contact us at 888-818-HOPE or info@childquest.org to find out more about programs, resources, and presentations.

A Teacher Speaks: Educational Videos Protect Kids

2011-07-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Child Quest's highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning educational video was created to help children understand what they can do to prevent child abduction, and has been credited with preventing several abductions.

The original screenplay was written by San Jose Police Officer, Frank Swaringen, after interviewing sexual predators and child kidnappers about their methods of luring children.

Through an engaging story line, live action, exciting animation and special effects, children learn what they can do to keep themselves safe in a non-frightening manner. A guide for educators and parents is included with each video to help open the way for ongoing discussions with children about their safety.

Visit our website to order your copy today to keep your kids safer!

Success Story: "Child Quest Helped Us More Than Anyone Can Understand"

2011-07-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

A concerned and frustrated family was looking for help when their 15 year-old daughter went missing on the morning of Thursday May 26, 2010. She was dropped off at school, but did not attend classes that day. The family filed a missing person’s report with law enforcement, but say they were getting “very little” assistance because their daughter was considered a runaway. Unfortunately, this is a common problem for left-behind families and missing children alike.

After plastering the local area with missing flyers for a week, and several false leads the family received from their daughter’s friends, the frantic family reached out on Facebook saying “We have heard very little in the last 24 hours. Law enforcement assistance is still very limited. She’s been missing for 7 days now and she could be anywhere! Please pass her info on so we can find her!”

After 9 days missing and many Facebook postings, the family was still searching for their daughter primarily on their own. Thankfully, they were referred to Child Quest International (CQI) through our Facebook network of caring and proactive individuals. After verifying the case with law enforcement, CQI quickly created and distributed flyers to our vast network of Facebook friends and via our in-house Critical Reach electronic alert system. We also directed the family to NCMEC and the state’s Missing Children Clearinghouse for additional assistance.

Once CQI was on the case, things started taking a turn for the better. The missing teenage girl was safely reunited with her family within several days of our involvement. While she may have willingly run away, CQI believes every missing child is at-risk (endangered??). We treat all cases of missing children with the same urgency and pride ourselves in how quickly we are able to react. Here’s what the family had to say in their own words:

“Thank you so much for your call to dispatch. It must have prompted extra attention to the case because we FINALLY have a deputy assigned. Before your call to them, the police department hadn't even assigned a deputy to her case despite daily phone calls from family members. We called NCMEC but are awaiting a follow up call from a case worker so she is not completely entered into their system. The attention you helped draw to this case, in conjunction with the realization that your agency was doing more than they were incited more police attention. Thanks again!” - [Stepmother]

“And Child Quest is badass please friend that page they helped us more than anyone can understand.” - [Father] (We love his enthusiasm for us!)

“I have never been a huge fan of Facebook, but I actually found a good use for it. Child Quest International was instrumental in finding my daughter and getting cops involved. I will stay on Facebook just to spread their messages. Thank you Child Quest.” - [Father]

Forget Stranger Danger, What About Parental Abduction?

2011-07-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Most parents worst nightmare is that their child will be abducted by a stranger, but the odds are much higher that the kidnapper will be a relative. In fact, statistics show parental or family abduction as one of the largest contributors to missing children only behind runaways/throwaways. But far too frequently, we hear parental abduction is not a law enforcement problem. It is commonly regarded as a civil problem, domestic relations issue, or something lawyers should work out. After all, the child is with a parent. How bad can it be?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Parental abduction (or family abduction) of a child often scars children and their left behind families for life. In addition to psychological trauma, these abducted children often suffer from inadequate schooling, poor nutrition, unstable lifestyles, neglect, or other forms of abuse while in hiding. The abducting parent often poisons the child against the left behind parent until the abducted child believes the left behind parent is dead, no longer loves or cares for them, and/or will harm them if found.

The victimization that children suffer when taken by a parent is no less than that of children taken by a stranger, yet the response of society varies considerably. It is this variance that lessens the chance of aggressive investigation by law enforcement or from the public intervening. The left behind families are left in a constant state of emotional turmoil, never knowing if their children are safe, where they are, whether they will ever see them again, or if their even alive.

Parental abductions need to be treated as what they are – crimes against children. Parental abduction is a crime in all 50 states. In the State of California, child abduction – even by a family member – is a felony and punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Communities, law enforcement, and the courts need to recognize parental abduction as child endangerment and treat the crime and perpetrator accordingly.

Child Quest International believes parents who abduct and conceal their children should be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If a case is filed and the defendant found guilty, judges need to hand down sentences that are equal to the crime. Parental abduction is a nationwide epidemic and will continue to be until the justice system takes more of a hard line position on this crime.

Resources:
NISMART II (National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children) "Children Abducted by Family Members: National Estimates and Characteristics," Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Heather Hammer, David Finkelhor, and Andrea J. Sedlak (October 2002).

"The Kid is With a Parent, How Bad Can it Be? The Crisis of Family Abduction," by Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (1991)

“America’s Hidden Crime: When the Kidnapper is Kin”, A Polly Klaas Foundation Report on Family Abduction (March 2004)

Online Safety: The Basics

2011-06-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Success Story: Father & Daughter Reunion

2011-06-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

This letter was written by a left-behind father after being reunited with his daughter. Child Quest worked with the family, law enforcement, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in a joint effort to locate this father's 2 year old daughter who had been unlawfully concealed since 1/31/2011. Out of respect to the family, the names & photos have been removed.

"My beautiful baby is home!

I've had to use the words 'thank you' in a number of emails last night and today for lack of a more apt phrase. Those two words are a wholly inadequate expression to use in any message to those without whom recovery would have been impossible and hope invisible. Instead, I will only express my desire that you and others like you should feel as proud as you deserve to feel. I was given the privilege to personally and literally fly through the air and 'rescue' [my baby], a fact that gives me great satisfaction and pleasure. For that gift any expression of gratitude is a poor excuse for a reward. When [my baby] is old enough to understand, she will learn your names.

There is still some legal work to be done to guard against this nightmare happening again, but now I have more than enough energy and courage to scour every angle.

The attached picture [removed] was taken at the Quality Inn in Texas. These accommodations were provided by a dear friend in that region. That evening it was clear [my baby] remembered me. She communicated this with several dozen hugs and laughter as well as her own brand of silly-face jokes. We played and played until night-night time. It was glorious.

Be well. Never stop.

Sincerely, [Father]"

Keeping Hope Alive - Child Quest International

ERIC ANTWAN BELL - Child Predator/Wanted by FBI

2011-06-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Producing Child Pornography; Aiding and Abetting the Production of Child Pornography; Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm; Engaging in Sex Trafficking of a Minor; Aiding and Abetting Sex Trafficking of a Minor

ERIC ANTWAN BELL

NCIC: W051895955

DESCRIPTION:

Date(s) of Birth Used: March 11, 1974

Place of Birth: Tallahassee, Florida

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 190 pounds

Hair: Black

Eyes: Brown

Sex: Male

Race: Black

Nationality: American

Occupation: Long haul truck driver

Scars and Marks: Bell has a tattoo on his chest. He also has scars on his right finger, right hand, and right elbow.

Remarks: Bell allegedly makes false identification. Bell has ties to the New York and New Jersey areas; and Gainesville, Tallahassee and Bradenton, Florida. Photo taken in 2008.

CAUTION:

Eric Antwan Bell, a convicted felon, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the sex trafficking of minors in the Tampa, Florida area. It is alleged that Bell had underage girls working for him from his residence since 2008, and advertised them for prostitution on the Internet. A local, state, and federal multi-agency task force initiated an investigation in 2009. On January 3, 2011, a federal warrant was issued for Bell's arrest by the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa, Florida, after he was charged federally with producing child pornography, aiding and abetting the production of child pornography, unlawfully possessing a firearm, engaging in sex trafficking of a minor, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking of a minor.

REWARD:

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Bell's arrest.

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact the FBI's toll free number: 1-866-838-1153, in Tampa, Florida; your local FBI office; or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

What To Do If...

2011-06-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

…a child is missing. Call 911 to make a report to your local police department and call the Child Quest toll-free hotline immediately: 1-888-818-HOPE. Gather recent photographs of the child (to make posters) as well as any other identifying documents and information. Notify the child’s relatives, their friend’s parents and the passport office. Call and ask the child’s school, doctor, and bank to flag the child’s records.

…a child reports an attempted stranger abduction. Obtain any counseling or medical attention needed by the child. Report the attempt to your local police department. Notify local schools and children’s organizations in the community to ensure that they are alerted of a potential danger.

…a child has been abused. If a child reports abuse, tell the child that he or she did the right thing by telling you. Studies show that children rarely lie about abuse. Tell children you believe them, and let them know it is not their fault. Try to remain outwardly calm. Ask the child to tell you in his or her own words what happened. Try to avoid leading questions like “Did the person touch your private parts?” Instead ask the child to point to where on their body the touch or hurt happened. Tell the child that you are going to report it to some people who know how to help children with problems like this. Call and report the abuse to the National Child Abuse Reporting Line, your local Child Protective Services, and the police department immediately. Get the child any needed medical treatment and counseling.

Resources That Could Save A Childs Life

Child Quest International Missing Children/Sightings (888) 818-HOPE http://www.childquest.org/
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (800) THE LOST http://www.ncmec.org/
Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 4-A-CHILD www.acf.hhs.gov/programs.html
National Runaway Switchboard (800) 621-4000 http://www.nrscrisisline.org/
Rape/Assault/Incest National Network (800) 656-HOPE http://www.rainn.org/

Safety Tips For Kids | Safety Ideas For Parents

2011-06-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

In follow up to the the post on "How to Talk to Your Kids About Interpersonal Safety", here are some helpful safety tip for children to practice and some safety ideas for paents to keep in mind.

Safety Tips for Kids

• Know who you are: Teach children their names, addresses, phone numbers, and about using “911”. Remember to teach them to use the "send" button when using cell phones (important for young kids).

• Know who is a stranger: Define a stranger as anyone the child doesn’t know well. It is important for children to know that people they have seen before are strangers if they do not know them well. And someone can be a stranger even if they look nice or know the child’s name. Tell children not to tell strangers their names or where they live. Do not put a child’s name on the outside of their belongings.

• Use the Buddy System: Teach children to use the “buddy system” and to avoid walking or playing alone outside and in public places.

• Use the yell, run, and tell rule: Teach children to yell, “No,” to run to where there are safe adults, and to tell an adult if they’ve been approached by a stranger. Tell children that yelling and running are better safety ideas than trying to hide.

• Keep a safe distance between yourself and a stranger: Teach children to stay a safe distance (approximately three arm-lengths) away from strangers and strangers cars, even if a stranger seems nice. Teach children to run in the direction opposite from the direction the stranger’s car is traveling. Teach children to walk facing traffic so that they can see if a car stops near them.

• It is all right to fight back: Let children know that if a stranger grabs them, it is okay to yell and fight to get the stranger to let go. Tell them yelling is the most important thing they can do, and to yell “No,” “Help,” or “Help, this is not my parent” to get an adults attention.

• Know about unsafe touches: Teach children the difference between safe and unsafe touches. Ask them to tell you if someone tries to hurt them or touch their private parts, even if that person said it was a secret.

• Home safety: Teach children to keep doors and windows locked when they are home alone, and to go to a neighbor and call 911 if a window is broken or if the door is open when they get home.

• Doorbell safety: Teach children to answer the door by asking, “Who is it?” Tell them to never say that they are alone, and to never open the door when they are alone, unless it is someone their guardian told them to expect and let in. When they are alone, ask them to talk through the door and say, “My parents are busy now, I’ll tell them you stopped by.” Tell children to call 911 immediately if the person will not leave.

• Phone safety: Teach children that is important to never say they are alone when a stranger calls, and to either let the answering machine screen calls or say, “Mom/Dad can’t come to the phone now, can I take a message?” Tell them to hang up if someone is making strange noises, saying scary things, or not saying anything.

• School safety: Encourage schools to establish call-back programs so that if a child does not arrive at school on time, his or her guardians are notified within thirty minutes of when the child was expected.

• Internet safety: Put your child’s computer in the family room, or where you can keep an eye on the screen. Teach children that it is not safe to give their last name, address, or phone number to a person on the Internet, and that it is never safe to meet Internet friends in person without a parent’s supervision and consent.

Safety Ideas for Parents

• Records: It is a good idea to keep the following records of your children in a safe place: any custody papers, current photographs, their height and weight, their description (including scars and birthmarks), dental records, fingerprints, and passports. (Once a passport is issued, it makes it difficult for someone else to get another.)

• Knowledge: Know where your children are after school and on weekends (and online). Know the names and phone numbers of your children’s friends and call to introduce yourself to their parents. Teach children to tell you where they will be and to check in with you when they get there and before they are ready to return home.

• Safe people: Create a short list of safe people that you give permission for your children to go with. Tell them to call you before going anywhere with someone not on the list, even if they say it is an emergency. Abductions by non-custodial parents are more common than stranger abductions. If you are divorced and have sole custody of your children, tell them whether their non-custodial parent is on the safe people list. To reduce the chance of potential family abduction, get a clear custody order that specifies visitation rights clearly, and know the non-custodial parent’s social security number, date of birth, current address, and employment. Some parents create a password with older children so that parents can tell a friend the password if they ask them to pick up their child. This is risky with very young children because they can be tricked into telling the password.

More safety information avaliable at http://www.childquest.org/

How to Talk to Children about Interpersonal Safety: A Guide for Parents and Educators

2011-06-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

[Written by: Kirsten Stoutemyer, Ph.D.] In the United States, there are approximately 797,500 children reported missing each year; and 58,000 of those are the direct result of a child being kidnapped by a non-family member. Parents, educators, and children are not helpless in the face of these statistics. Many children escape abduction attempts because they have learned to use safety strategies and to respond with assertiveness in the face of an attempted abduction. Child Quest developed the Our Kids Are Safe Kids kidnapping prevention program to address the need for children to learn and practice safety strategies.

Being a parent or educator brings joy – and responsibility. It is rewarding, challenging, and sometimes frightening. Each day presents new challenges for educators and parents to invent creative and loving ways to discuss some of life’s more difficult topics. Preparing children to deal effectively with a world in which attempted child abduction and abuse are possibilities requires a team approach involving teachers, parents, community organizations, local politicians, law enforcement, and many others.

Children are more likely to learn safety behaviors if they are given the opportunity to practice what is introduced in Our Kids Are Safe Kids. It is never too early to begin an ongoing conversation with a child about safety. Even preschool children can learn their names, telephone numbers, addresses, and to call 911 in an emergency. School-aged children can learn more complex safety skills. We encourage you to adapt the practice of safety behaviors to the sophistication of the children in your life.

Focusing on Prevention

Among the greatest challenges facing teachers and parents is developing a way to talk to children about interpersonal safety – without scaring them. It frightens children to hear about the horrible things that can happen to them if kidnapped. By the time children are able to read, they have already been exposed to these horror stories on the front pages of magazines at the grocery store, TV shows, and online – so, it is not surprising that they often become terrified of being kidnapped themselves. Learning and practicing safety rules reduces a child’s fear, and results in a child who can assertively use safety behaviors to deal with dangerous interpersonal situations.

We can approach children with the issues of abduction the same way we approach them with issues of fire or earthquake safety. We can assure children that the chances of being kidnapped by a stranger are quite low, and we can teach them some techniques that will keep them safer. By focusing on common-sense abduction prevention strategies, rather than on the horrible things that might happen to them, we increase our children’s ability to deal with dangerous situations and reduce their fears.

Creating Safe Communications

Parents and educators are foremost among the people a child might turn to for help. It is important to lay the groundwork for dialogue about abuse and kidnapping. Parents and teachers can do this with young children by encouraging them to talk about their feelings. Take the time to ask about a child’s day, and about the people they encountered on and/or offline. Ask if there are any problems they are having, and be open to listening. By creating an open dialogue with children – especially about the things that make them scared, embarrassed, or sad – you make it easier for them to tell you about potentially dangerous situations they’ve encountered with other children, teenagers, and adults.

Let your children know that there is a difference between a good secret and a bad secret. A good secret is a secret that is fun to keep, like a surprise party or gift. A “bad secret” is a secret that feels bad to keep, or a secret about a touch – because touches should never be secret. Ask them to inform you if anyone tells them to keep a bad secret, and stress that getting help when they need it doesn’t make them a “tattle tale.”

In order to ensure that a child will disclose sexual abuse if it should occur, it is important that parents and teachers use names for the private parts of a child’s body that do not suggest that private parts are “bad.” If a child thinks that it is not all right to talk about their private parts, they will be less likely to discuss sexual abuse should it occur.

One of the hardest things about creating a supportive atmosphere for communication is allowing a child to say “no” to an unwanted touch or an unwanted invitation – even when we know it is not really dangerous. Children need to be able to say “no” to an unwanted pinch on the cheek without getting in trouble in order to be able to say “no” to assertively dangerous situations.

Teaching Assertiveness

Parents and educators have the power to create a supportive atmosphere for children to practice assertive communication and interpersonal safety. Children can learn to “use their words” at an early age, and can be encouraged to speak in a clear, strong voice rather than whining or screaming. Reinforce assertive communication by complimenting children on the way they worded a request or stated their opinion, even if their request is not one you can grant.

Encourage children to actively think of solutions to everyday problems, and to think out the logical results of those solutions. Helping kids to think through situations, and to consider the pros and cons of different courses of action, will give them a good foundation to build on when faced with a variety of situations, including dangerous ones. Activities that develop problem solving can be found in the Practice section of this guide.

Self-Defense

Teach children how to do a safety yell. A safety yell comes from deep in the belly, and is loud. Show them how a safety yell is different than a scream. You might teach them to yell, “No! This is not my parent!”

Struggling can increase a child’s chance of escape in an abduction situation, and there are some physical self-defense techniques that children can use successfully, despite their small size. If you decide to introduce your child to self-defense, contact a local self-defense organization to find a class appropriate for children. It is important to talk with children about when it is appropriate to use self-defense techniques.

Having Clearly Stated Rules

It is important that parents and teachers clearly state their safety rules both on and offline. Take the time to talk with children regularly about what your safety rules are whether it be walking home from school or surfing the net. Let them know who can pick them up from school or activities, explain how they are expected to check in with you, and what your family guidelines are for using the Internet and social media responsibly. Older children can handle more complexity in safety rules than young children. Your rules will depend in part on a child’s age – and in part on your values. What is important is that your children know what your safety rules are.

More prevention education programs and safety information at http://www.childquest.org/

June is Internet Safety Month!

2011-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet: Tips for Parents and Guardians
[Source: national Center For Missing Children http://www.missingkids.com/]

Allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore a major metropolitan area by themselves. The Internet, like a city, offers an enormous array of entertainment and educational resources but also presents some potential risks. Kids need help navigating this world.

Where Do Kids Connect?

Kids go online almost anywhere. They surf the Internet and send messages from a home computer or one at a friend’s home, library, or school.
Kids connect at coffee shops and other “hotspots” using laptops and wireless connections.
Internet-enabled, video-game systems allow them to compete against and chat with players around the world.
Wireless devices enable kids to surf the Web and exchange messages, photographs, and short videos from just about anywhere.

You can’t watch your kids every minute, but you do need to use strategies to help them benefit from the Internet and avoid its potential risks. By exploring the Internet with your kids, you greatly expand its capacity as an educational tool. By providing guidance and discussion along the way, you increase kids’ online skills and confidence along with their ability to avoid potential risks. And you might be surprised by what kids teach you at the same time.

You can't take it back...think before you type.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) urges you to do one of the single most important things to promote safety — begin a dialogue with your kids about the rewards and potential risks of Internet use. We also encourage you to visit the NetSmartz® Workshop at www.NetSmartz.org and NetSmartz411sm at www.NetSmartz411.org or call 1-888-NETS411 (638-7411) to learn more about about online safety.

It’s up to parents and guardians to assess the potential risks and benefits of permitting their kids to use the wide range of Internet websites and applications available. This brochure provides a list of the most popular online activities for kids along with the strategies for and benefits of reducing the potential risks associated with those activities.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 23 percent of nursery school children in the United States use the Internet, 32 percent of kindergartners go online, and by high school 80 percent of children use the Internet.

Browsing the Internet

Benefits - Browsing the Internet is like having the world’s largest library and entertainment system at your fingertips. Kids are able to read stories, tour museums, visit other countries, play games, look at photographs, shop, and do research to help with homework.

Potential Risks - Kids may come across websites containing adult images or demeaning, racist, sexist, violent, or false information. It is hard for kids to distinguish reliable sources of information from less reliable ones. Some believe because information is posted online it must be true.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Choose search engines carefully. Some are specifically designed for kids, and others offer kid-safe options.
Tell kids when they come across any material making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused to immediately tell you or another trusted adult.
Help kids find information online. By searching the Internet together you help them find reliable sources of information and distinguish fact from fiction.

Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer filters to prevent kids from accessing inappropriate websites. Contact your ISP about what safe-search options they offer. Remember, as a consumer you have a right to choose an ISP with the services meeting your family’s needs.

Using E-mail

Benefits - Adults and kids use e-mail to communicate rapidly and cost-effectively with people all over the world. E-mail transmits messages, documents, and photographs to others in a matter of seconds or minutes.

Potential Risks - Kids are able to set up private accounts through free Web-based, e-mail services without asking permission from parents or guardians. Anyone using e-mail is vulnerable to receiving “spam,” messages from people or companies encouraging recipients to buy something, do something, or visit a particular website. Spam may be sexually suggestive or offensive in other ways. Senders sometimes disguise themselves, pretending to be someone else — a friend or acquaintance, a well-known bank, a government agency — for illicit purposes. This is known as phishing.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Talk with your kids about their e-mail accounts, and discuss the potential risks involved. Remind them to never share passwords with anyone but you, not even their closest friends.
Before you sign up with a service provider, research the effectiveness of its spam filters. You may also purchase spam-filter software separately.
Teach kids not to open spam or e-mails from people they don’t know in person. Remind them not to respond to any online communication in a sexually provocative way. Ask them to show you suspicious communications.
If your kids receive e-mail containing threats or material making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, report it to your service provider. Your provider ’s address is usually found on their home page.

Instant Messsaging

Benefits - Instant Messaging (IM) allows adults and kids to have conversations in “real time” through their computer. IMing is particularly appealing to kids who use abbreviated lingo to communicate with each other. Most IM services offer a feature showing a user’s contacts, known as a “buddy list,” which tells the user whether a “buddy” is online and available to chat.

Potential Risks - IM is one method used to cyberbully, harass, or intimidate others. It may also be used to engage kids in a sexually explicit conversation. IM interactions may go from an innocent conversation to a sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate exchange without warning.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Remind kids to IM only people they know in real life and who have been approved by you.
Use privacy settings to limit contact to only those on your child’s buddy list. Make sure other users cannot search for your child by his or her e-mail address and username.
Make sure both your kids and you are familiar with the blocking features available on most IM services. Tell your kids to block any sender they don’t know who IMs them.
Take the time to learn the online lingo used by kids so you understand what they are talking about with each other.
What’s a P911? It’s shorthand for “parent alert” — a code some kids use to let others know a parent or guardian is watching. If you have trouble translating your kids’ online “lingo,” visit www.NetSmartz.org. There you’ll find a list of popular terms and abbreviations used in IM and chatrooms.

Social Networking

Benefits - Social-networking websites allow kids to connect with their friends and other users with similar interests. Kids socialize and express themselves by exchanging instant messages, e-mails, or comments and posting photographs, creative writing, artwork, videos, and music to their blogs and personal profiles.

Some 55% of online teens have profiles on a social-networking website such as Facebook or MySpace.
A survey of 10 to 17 year olds revealed 34% had posted their real names, telephone numbers, home addresses, or the names of their schools online where anyone could see; 45% had posted their dates of birth or ages; and 18% had posted pictures of themselves.3

Potential Risks - Some websites and services ask users to post a “profile” with their age, sex, hobbies, and interests. While these profiles help kids “connect” and share common interests, potential exploiters may pretend to be someone else and can and do use these profiles to search for victims. Kids sometimes compete to see who has the greatest number of contacts and will add new members to their lists even if they don’t know them in person.

Kids can’t “take back” the online text and images they’ve entered. Kids may post information and images that are provocative and inappropriate. Once online, “chat” as well as other Web postings become public information. Anything posted online may be saved and forwarded to an unlimited number of users. Remind kids once images are posted they lose control of them and can never get them back.

Kids have been reprimanded by their school administrators and families; denied entry into schools; and even not hired because of dangerous, demeaning, or harmful information found on their personal websites or blogs.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Urge kids to use privacy settings to restrict access to profiles so only those on their contact lists are able to view them.
Remind kids to only add people they know in person to their contact lists. location.
Encourage them to choose appropriate screennames or nicknames—such as those that refer to sports and interests, but are not sexual, violent, or offensive. Make sure the name doesn't include information revealing their identity or location.
Visit social-networking websites with your kids, and exchange ideas about what you think is safe and unsafe.
Ask your kids about the people they are communicating with online.
Insist your kids never give out personal information or arrange to meet in person with someone they’ve met online without first checking with you.
Encourage your kids to think before typing, “Is this message hurtful or rude?” Also urge your kids not to respond to any rude or harassing messages or ones making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Have them show you such messages.

Cellular Telephones/Wireless Devices and Texting

Benefits - Many parents and guardians look at cellular telephones as a necessity for their kids. It is reassuring to know they may reach you or call for help in an emergency. Cellular telephones/wireless devices may also be used to send text messages, images, and videos.

Potential Risks - Cellular telephones make it easy for kids to communicate with others without their parents’ or guardians’ knowledge. Kids are increasingly using cellular telephones/wireless devices to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves and send them to their friends. Once these photographs are sent, there is no way of getting them back. In some instances children have been prosecuted for production of child pornography for taking these pictures.

Kids may also take embarrassing or revealing photographs of others and post them to the Internet, leaving victims few options to defend or protect themselves from this form of bullying.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Create rules about the appropriate use of cellular telephones/wireless devices and set limits, including who your kids may communicate with and when they may use their cellular telephones/wireless devices.
Review cellular-telephone/wireless-device records for any unknown numbers and late-night telephone calls.
Teach your kids to never post their cellular telephone number anywhere online
Talk to your kids about the possible implications of sending sexually explicit or provocative images of themselves or others.
Think about removing the Internet features from your kid’s cellular telephone/wireless device through your service provider or consider creating settings to control or prohibit access to the Internet, e-mail, or text messaging.

Posting Video and Photographs Online

Benefits - Webcams, cellular telephones, and digital cameras allow kids to post videos, photograhs, and audio files online and engage in video conversations. Kids often use this equipment to see each other as they IM and chat. Webcams are often used to help kids stay in touch with family members and friends including traveling parents and guardians and those living in other areas.

Potential Risks - Webcam sessions and photographs may be easily captured and saved, and users may continue to circulate those images online. In some cases people believed they were interacting with trusted friends but later found their images were distributed to others or posted on websites.

Capturing, sending and posting sexually provocative and inappropriate images may lead to legal implications and other unexpected offline consequences.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Kids should use webcams or post photographs online only with your knowledge and supervision.
Remind your kids to ask themselves if they would be embarrassed if their friends or family saw the pictures or videos they post online. If the answer is yes, then they need to stop.
Remind kids to be aware of what is in the camera’s field of vision and remember to turn the camera off when it is not in use.
Caution kids about posting identity-revealing or sexually provocative photographs. Don’t allow them to post photographs of others — even their friends — without permission from their friends’ parents or guardians. Remind them once such images are posted they lose control of them and can never get them back.

Online Gaming

Benefits - Online gaming involves playing a game over a computer network, often on the Internet, or Internet-enabled game console. Online gaming allows kids to engage with and challenge players from around the world. Many online games have text, chatroom, or IM functions, allowing players to communicate as a group or in private. Some even allow users to speak directly to each other using voice-enabled headphones. In addition online games often have associated online communities for players to share experiences and strategies. In many ways online games and gaming communities serve as a forum for social networking.

Potential Risks - There is never any guarantee your kid is communicating with other kids, those they know in person, or those approved by you. As with IM or social-networking websites, kids may be exposed to inappropriate language, harassed, threatened, or asked sexually explicit questions

Tips to Minimize Potential Risks

Keep the gaming console and computer in a common area of the home so you are able to more easily supervise
Set rules, including how long your kids may play, who they are allowed to play with, and what types of games are appropriate
Check out rating systems to help you decide which games to allow in your home
Look into what types of protections or parental controls the gaming console allows and make use of them
Other Ways to Enhance Kids' Online Safety Skills
Begin a Dialogue With Your Kids About Internet Use

Because we use the Internet in different ways, kids and adults may learn from each other. By talking about Internet use with your kids, you are opening the door to discussing the important issues of personal safety and helping them engage in responsible behavior. Use this brochure as a starting point, or visit www.NetSmartz.org to find safety resources for both kids and adults.

Consider Rating, Blocking, Monitoring, and Filtering Applications for Your Computer

Software and services are available to help parents and guardians set limits on kids’ Internet use. Most computer-operating systems have optional filters allowing parents and guardians to block websites they consider inappropriate. Some services rate websites for content. Some programs prevent users from entering information such as names and addresses, and others keep kids away from chatrooms or restrict their ability to send or read e-mail. Monitoring programs allow you to see where your kids go online. But remember these programs and services don’t develop kids’ own sense of safety, and they are not substitutes for parental/ guardian communication, supervision, and involvement.

Make Internet Use a Family Activity While Encouraging Critical Thinking

By setting aside time to go online with your kids you not only become more aware of what they do online, you reinforce positive Internet skills. Helping your kids with a research project is a great opportunity for them to learn about and distinguish which websites provide reliable information, are simply someone’s opinion, and are to be avoided entirely. And when looking at e-mails together ask, “Are these people who they seem to be?” These are prime opportunities to help kids develop their critical-thinking skills.

Set Reasonable Rules

Work with your kids to develop reasonable rules. Consider setting rules about the time of day, length of time, people they may communicate with, and appropriate areas for them to visit while online. Also explain to your kids why these rules are important.

Encourage Your Kids to Go to You When They Encounter Problems Online

It’s important to reassure kids if they encounter problems online or view something disturbing, it’s not their fault. Discussing these issues openly may reduce their fear of going to you if they encounter something online making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Be a resource. Let them know if they share the experience with you, you will try to help, not punish, them. At the same time help them understand what happened and avoid similar situations in the future.

Online Resources for Families

NetSmartz® Workshop - The NetSmartz Workshop is an online, educational resource for kids of all ages and their trusted adults to help foster positive choices when on the Internet and in the real world.

The NetSmartz program is designed to be used in homes, schools, and communities. It provides parents, guardians, educators, community leaders, and law-enforcement officials with a wide variety of resources including activities, games, presentations, safety pledges, and videos. These resources help trusted adults build kids’ safety awareness, prevent their victimization, and increase their self-confidence on- and offline.

The NetSmartz Workshop is a leader in safety education for youth, parents and guardians, and educators. The program was created to spearhead a movement toward safer and more responsible use of the Internet by kids and teens. Download the free resources at http://www.netsmartz.org/.

NetSmartz411 - NetSmartz411 is a free, first-of-its-kind service provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and funded by the Qwest Foundation. It was designed to raise Internet-safety awareness and provides general information about computers and the Web.

Parents, guardians, and educators are able to find this resource at www.NetSmartz411.org. The website contains a searchable knowledgebase of frequently asked questions regarding computers and the Internet, along with the opportunity to ask questions of experts. Questions may be submitted via the website anytime or called into experts at 1-888-NETS411 (638-7411), Monday through Friday, from Noon to 8:00 p.m., EST.

CyberTipline - Visit www.cybertipline.com or call 1-800-843-5678 to report the sexual exploitation of children on- and offline. The CyberTipline accepts information about the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography; online enticement of children for sexual acts; child victims of prostitution; sex tourism involving children; extrafamilial child sexual molestation; unsolicited obscene material sent to a child; misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the Internet. Your information will be forwarded to law enforcement and Internt Service Provider(s) for investigation and review when appropriate.

Don't Believe the Type - Created by the Ad Council and NCMEC, “Don’t Believe the Type,” is part of a public-service campaign specifically designed to help teens recognize the dangers of the Internet, situations to avoid, and how to “surf safer.” Visit www.cybertipline.com, and click on the “Don’t Believe the Type” link to view the website.

Think Before You Post - A part of NCMEC’s Ad Council public-service campaign, “Think Before You Post” is a public-service campaign warning kids about the dangers of posting inappropriate pictures and videos of themselves online. Visit www.cybertipline.com and click on the “Think Before You Post” link to view the website.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

Begin a dialogue with your kids about safe Internet use and supervise their online activities
Consider rating, blocking, monitoring, and filtering applications for your computer
Make Internet use a family activity
Encourage your kids’ critical-thinking skills
Set reasonable rules for going online
Encourage your kids to tell you when they encounter problems online

If they come across lewd, obscene, or illegal material or if they are contacted by someone who attempts to engage them in sexual conversation, make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678

Child Quest International Internet Safety Presentations

Find More Help Online

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=3601

The FBI's Parent Guide to Internet Safety

2011-06-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Worldwide On The Web [Source http://www.fbi.gov/]: While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts. These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and empathize with the problems of children. They will be aware of the latest music, hobbies, and interests of children. These individuals attempt to gradually lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual context and content into their conversations.

There are other individuals, however, who immediately engage in sexually explicit conversation with children. Some offenders primarily collect and trade child-pornographic images, while others seek face-to-face meetings with children via on-line contacts. It is important for parents to understand that children can be indirectly victimized through conversation, i.e. "chat," as well as the transfer of sexually explicit information and material. Computer-sex offenders may also be evaluating children they come in contact with on-line for future face-to-face contact and direct victimization. Parents and children should remember that a computer-sex offender can be any age or sex the person does not have to fit the caricature of a dirty, unkempt, older man wearing a raincoat to be someone who could harm a child.

Children, especially adolescents, are sometimes interested in and curious about sexuality and sexually explicit material. They may be moving away from the total control of parents and seeking to establish new relationships outside their family. Because they may be curious, children/adolescents sometimes use their on-line access to actively seek out such materials and individuals. Sex offenders targeting children will use and exploit these characteristics and needs. Some adolescent children may also be attracted to and lured by on-line offenders closer to their age who, although not technically child molesters, may be dangerous. Nevertheless, they have been seduced and manipulated by a clever offender and do not fully understand or recognize the potential danger of these contacts.

This guide was prepared from actual investigations involving child victims, as well as investigations where law enforcement officers posed as children. Further information on protecting your child on-line may be found in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Child Safety on the Information Highway and Teen Safety on the Information Highway pamphlets.

What Are Signs That Your Child Might Be At Risk On-line?

Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.

Most children that fall victim to computer-sex offenders spend large amounts of time on-line, particularly in chat rooms. They may go on-line after dinner and on the weekends. They may be latchkey kids whose parents have told them to stay at home after school. They go on-line to chat with friends, make new friends, pass time, and sometimes look for sexually explicit information. While much of the knowledge and experience gained may be valuable, parents should consider monitoring the amount of time spent on-line.

Children on-line are at the greatest risk during the evening hours. While offenders are on-line around the clock, most work during the day and spend their evenings on-line trying to locate and lure children or seeking pornography.

You find pornography on your child's computer.

Pornography is often used in the sexual victimization of children. Sex offenders often supply their potential victims with pornography as a means of opening sexual discussions and for seduction. Child pornography may be used to show the child victim that sex between children and adults is "normal." Parents should be conscious of the fact that a child may hide the pornographic files on diskettes from them. This may be especially true if the computer is used by other family members.

Your child receives phone calls from men you don't know or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don't recognize.

While talking to a child victim on-line is a thrill for a computer-sex offender, it can be very cumbersome. Most want to talk to the children on the telephone. They often engage in "phone sex" with the children and often seek to set up an actual meeting for real sex.

While a child may be hesitant to give out his/her home phone number, the computer-sex offenders will give out theirs. With Caller ID, they can readily find out the child's phone number. Some computer-sex offenders have even obtained toll-free 800 numbers, so that their potential victims can call them without their parents finding out. Others will tell the child to call collect. Both of these methods result in the computer-sex offender being able to find out the child's phone number.

Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don't know.

As part of the seduction process, it is common for offenders to send letters, photographs, and all manner of gifts to their potential victims. Computer-sex offenders have even sent plane tickets in order for the child to travel across the country to meet them.

Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room.

A child looking at pornographic images or having sexually explicit conversations does not want you to see it on the screen.

Your child becomes withdrawn from the family.

Computer-sex offenders will work very hard at driving a wedge between a child and their family or at exploiting their relationship. They will accentuate any minor problems at home that the child might have. Children may also become withdrawn after sexual victimization.

Your child is using an on-line account belonging to someone else.

Even if you don't subscribe to an on-line service or Internet service, your child may meet an offender while on-line at a friend's house or the library. Most computers come preloaded with on-line and/or Internet software. Computer-sex offenders will sometimes provide potential victims with a computer account for communications with them.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Communicating With A Sexual Predator Online?

■ Consider talking openly with your child about your suspicions. Tell them about the dangers of computer-sex offenders.

■ Review what is on your child's computer. If you don't know how, ask a friend, coworker, relative, or other knowledgeable person. Pornography or any kind of sexual communication can be a warning sign.

■ Use the Caller ID service to determine who is calling your child. Most telephone companies that offer Caller ID also offer a service that allows you to block your number from appearing on someone else's Caller ID. Telephone companies also offer an additional service feature that rejects incoming calls that you block. This rejection feature prevents computer-sex offenders or anyone else from calling your home anonymously.

■ Devices can be purchased that show telephone numbers that have been dialed from your home phone. Additionally, the last number called from your home phone can be retrieved provided that the telephone is equipped with a redial feature. You will also need a telephone pager to complete this retrieval.

■ This is done using a numeric-display pager and another phone that is on the same line as the first phone with the redial feature. Using the two phones and the pager, a call is placed from the second phone to the pager. When the paging terminal beeps for you to enter a telephone number, you press the redial button on the first (or suspect) phone. The last number called from that phone will then be displayed on the pager.

■ Monitor your child's access to all types of live electronic communications (i.e., chat rooms, instant messages, Internet Relay Chat, etc.), and monitor your child's e-mail. Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. After meeting a child on-line, they will continue to communicate electronically often via e-mail.

Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or on-line service, you should immediately contact your local or state law enforcement agency, the FBI, and the CyberTipline:

1.Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography;

2.Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age;

3.Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone that knows your child is under the age of 18.

If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.

What Can You Do To Minimize The Chances Of An On-line Exploiter Victimizing Your Child?

■ Communicate, and talk to your child about sexual victimization and potential on-line danger.

■ Spend time with your children on-line. Have them teach you about their favorite on-line destinations.

■ Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child's bedroom. It is much more difficult for a computer-sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or another member of the household.

■ Utilize parental controls provided by your service provider and/or blocking software. While electronic chat can be a great place for children to make new friends and discuss various topics of interest, it is also prowled by computer-sex offenders. Use of chat rooms, in particular, should be heavily monitored. While parents should utilize these mechanisms, they should not totally rely on them.

■ Always maintain access to your child's on-line account and randomly check his/her e-mail. Be aware that your child could be contacted through the U.S. Mail. Be up front with your child about your access and reasons why.

■ Teach your child the responsible use of the resources on-line. There is much more to the on-line experience than chat rooms.

■ Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child's school, the public library, and at the homes of your child's friends. These are all places, outside your normal supervision, where your child could encounter an on-line predator.

■ Understand, even if your child was a willing participant in any form of sexual exploitation, that he/she is not at fault and is the victim. The offender always bears the complete responsibility for his or her actions.

Instruct your children:

■ to never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met on- line;

■ to never upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know;

■ to never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number;

■ to never download pictures from an unknown source, as there is a good chance there could be sexually explicit images;

■ to never respond to messages or bulletin board postings that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or harassing;

■ that whatever they are told on-line may or may not be true.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My child has received an e-mail advertising for a pornographic website, what should I do?

Generally, advertising for an adult, pornographic website that is sent to an e-mail address does not violate federal law or the current laws of most states. In some states it may be a violation of law if the sender knows the recipient is under the age of 18. Such advertising can be reported to your service provider and, if known, the service provider of the originator. It can also be reported to your state and federal legislators, so they can be made aware of the extent of the problem.

Is any service safer than the others?

Sex offenders have contacted children via most of the major on-line services and the Internet. The most important factors in keeping your child safe on-line are the utilization of appropriate blocking software and/or parental controls, along with open, honest discussions with your child, monitoring his/her on-line activity, and following the tips in this pamphlet.

Should I just forbid my child from going on-line?

There are dangers in every part of our society. By educating your children to these dangers and taking appropriate steps to protect them, they can benefit from the wealth of information now available on-line.

Helpful Definitions:

Internet - An immense, global network that connects computers via telephone lines and/or fiber networks to storehouses of electronic information. With only a computer, a modem, a telephone line and a service provider, people from all over the world can communicate and share information with little more than a few keystrokes.

Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) - Electronic networks of computers that are connected by a central computer setup and operated by a system administrator or operator and are distinguishable from the Internet by their "dial-up" accessibility. BBS users link their individual computers to the central BBS computer by a modem which allows them to post messages, read messages left by others, trade information, or hold direct conversations. Access to a BBS can, and often is, privileged and limited to those users who have access privileges granted by the systems operator.

Commercial On-line Service (COS) - Examples of COSs are America Online, Prodigy, CompuServe and Microsoft Network, which provide access to their service for a fee. COSs generally offer limited access to the Internet as part of their total service package.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - Examples of ISPs are Erols, Concentric and Netcom. These services offer direct, full access to the Internet at a flat, monthly rate and often provide electronic-mail service for their customers. ISPs often provide space on their servers for their customers to maintain World Wide Web (WWW) sites. Not all ISPs are commercial enterprises. Educational, governmental and nonprofit organizations also provide Internet access to their members.

Public Chat Rooms - Created, maintained, listed and monitored by the COS and other public domain systems such as Internet Relay Chat. A number of customers can be in the public chat rooms at any given time, which are monitored for illegal activity and even appropriate language by systems operators (SYSOP). Some public chat rooms are monitored more frequently than others, depending on the COS and the type of chat room. Violators can be reported to the administrators of the system (at America On-line they are referred to as terms of service [TOS]) which can revoke user privileges. The public chat rooms usually cover a broad range of topics such as entertainment, sports, game rooms, children only, etc.

Electronic Mail (E-Mail) - A function of BBSs, COSs and ISPs which provides for the transmission of messages and files between computers over a communications network similar to mailing a letter via the postal service. E-mail is stored on a server, where it will remain until the addressee retrieves it. Anonymity can be maintained by the sender by predetermining what the receiver will see as the "from" address. Another way to conceal one's identity is to use an "anonymous remailer," which is a service that allows the user to send an e-mail message repackaged under the remailer's own header, stripping off the originator's name completely.

Chat - Real-time text conversation between users in a chat room with no expectation of privacy. All chat conversation is accessible by all individuals in the chat room while the conversation is taking place.

Instant Messages - Private, real-time text conversation between two users in a chat room.

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) - Real-time text conversation similar to public and/or private chat rooms on COS.

Usenet (Newsgroups) - Like a giant, cork bulletin board where users post messages and information. Each posting is like an open letter and is capable of having attachments, such as graphic image files (GIFs). Anyone accessing the newsgroup can read the postings, take copies of posted items, or post responses. Each newsgroup can hold thousands of postings. Currently, there are over 29,000 public newsgroups and that number is growing daily. Newsgroups are both public and/or private. There is no listing of private newsgroups. A user of private newsgroups has to be invited into the newsgroup and be provided with the newsgroup's address.

Winton Mom Holds Out Hope for Daughter's Return

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Winton, CA: There are several things people can do to bring Vanessa Dawn Smith home, her mother believes. Almost 14 years ago, the girl, then 15, vanished from near her Mercedes Avenue home in Winton. There have been no leads in the disappearance — but Beverly Smith said "it's a very open case."

Beverly Smith hopes people will light a candle and say a prayer for her daughter, as well as donate to the fund that pays for billboards and large-size laminated posters placed on the back of big rig trailers.

"I believe Vanessa is alive with all my heart," Beverly Smith said. "It's time we bring her home. I put her out (on posters) all the time. Our missing children don't have a voice. We (parents) are their voice."

Vanessa Smith disappeared about 7 p.m. May 31, 1997, while on her nightly walk. Her walking stick was found about 200 yards east of her Winton home but no other physical evidence was discovered. The Merced County Sheriff's Department said Vanessa Smith had no history of running away from home and was close to her family. Her purse with money inside, along with her watch, were left at home.
Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin said the department's continued hope is to find her safe and sound. "We vigorously follow every lead given in her disappearance and will continue to do so until she comes home safely," Pazin said.

Sgt. Jeff Coburn of the sheriff's Major Crimes Unit said there's always hope Vanessa Smith will be found and the case will be solved some day. "It's an open investigation," Coburn said. "It takes time. We still look at possibilities but there are no new leads."

Beverly Smith's friend, Yvonne Smith of Merced, no relation, is the mother of four grown children and has six grandchildren. She has known Beverly Smith for 11 years. "I sympathize with the family," Yvonne Smith said. "It could be my child. Even though I never met her, I feel like I know her. I want to help in every way I can. "

There are a number of Internet postings and websites about Vanessa Smith, including ones from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Child Quest International and the Doe Network. The Polly Klaas Foundation also has been involved in the case.

Her mother says Vanessa is posted on Facebook with the headline "Help Bring Vanessa Home."

"I know times are hard but if it were anybody's loved one, then what? We get a lot of love, prayers and support our way. It keeps on going," Beverly Smith said.

Smith is planning a fund-raiser for her daughter July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Courthouse Park in Merced. The Smiths need hot dog buns, chips, sodas, paper products and cotton candy. Those wishing to contribute may send checks to the Vanessa Smith Trust Fund at Travis Credit Union, 981 Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95301.

At the time of her disappearance, Vanessa had strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. She has a freckled complexion and a scar on her left ear, along with a birthmark on her right arm stretching from her shoulder to her elbow. Vanessa, who was 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighed 130 pounds when she disappeared, has Duane Syndrome and her right eye drifts to the inside.

Others missing from Merced County for years include Karen Wright, Pamela Pedro, Paul Armstrong and Steven Lombard. About 720,000 children a year go missing in the United States. Ninety-six percent are found safe or come home on their own. About 1 percent are found dead.

The governor's office has offered a $50,000 reward for those supplying information that leads to the whereabouts of Vanessa Smith and the arrest of her abductor.

Those with information about Vanessa Smith's disappearance may contact the Merced County Sheriff's Department Major Crimes Unit at (209) 385-7472.

[Source: Mercedsunstar.com By DOANE YAWGER]

Missing Children's Day 2011

2011-05-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Everywhere, USA & Worldwide: Today marks the 28th National Missing Children’s Day. First proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and observed by every administration since, May 25th is the anniversary of the day in 1979 when 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school. Etan’s story captivated the nation. His photo, taken by his father, a professional photographer was circulated nationwide and appeared in media across the country and around the world. The powerful image of Etan has come to symbolize the anguish and trauma of thousands of searching families. The search for Etan continues. He is still missing.

Every year in America an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing, more than 2,000 children each day, thankfully the vast majority of them are recovered rather quickly. Unfortunately there are too many who aren't recovered so quickly. Of that number, 200,000 are abducted by family members, and 58,000 are abducted by non-family members. The primary motive for non-family abductions is sexual. Each year 115 children are the victims of the most serious abductions, taken by non-family members and either murdered, held for ransom, or taken with the intent to keep.

Secretary Clinton Delivers a Message for National Missing Children's Day

Child Quest is proud of our contributions to Missing Children’s Day for the past 21 years, and for our involvement in keeping kids safer the other 364 days of the year since 1990. We would like to take a moment to remember all those who are still missing, honor those work tirelessly to reunite families and help keep kids safer, and remind parents to make time make time to talk to their children about child safety early and often.

Please visit the following links to help find a missing child and to keep your children safer:

Have you seen me?

Safety Tips

SayLocal for Child Safety - Child Quest International Online Fundraiser

2011-05-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Silicon Valley & San Francisco Area: We’re teaming up with SayLocal, a new deals website featuring locally-owned businesses, for a fundraising event benefiting Child Quest International (CQI). SayLocal will donate 25% of total revenue (regardless of source) from Wednesday, May 25 (National Missing Children's Day) to CQI. This means, any and all deals!

Help CQI generate the most fundraising dollars possible with these easy steps:
1. Go to www.saylocal.com
2. Check out all the deals offered (be sure to browse all categories: Beauty & Health, Entertainment, Restaurants, Services and Shopping)
3. Purchase vouchers for your select deals on 5/25

You get deals for 50% off or more at participating local businesses and CQI benefits by receiving much-needed funds. Spread the word with friends and family because the more purchases are made, the more money for CQI.

*The proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to locate missing children and provide prevention education resources in the community to keep kids safer.

Thank You for Keeping Hope Alive!

Child Quest Int'l Fundraiser @ Campo di Bocce Benefit Week

2011-05-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Livermore & Los Gatos, CA: Campo di Bocce of Livermore and Camp di Bocce of Los Gatos are jointly hosting the Building Brilliance Benefit Campaign, "One Roll at a Time"! This campaign is an AWESOME & FUN family fundraising event for Child Quest International. It's a simple fundraiser with a major impact on the lives of missing children and families. The proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to locate missing children and provide prevention education resources in the community to keep kids safer. All you have to do is participate in a game of Bocce Ball or have a fantastic meal at one Campo di Bocce's magnificent restaurants. Child Quest will receive 15% of ALL PROCEEDS (lunch, dinner, to-go orders, bocce, and drinks/wine/alcohol). All we ask of you is to show up, enjoy yourself, and mention you are there to support Child Quest International's "Benefit Week".

Child Quest will be holding two "Benefit Weeks" @

Campo di Bocce of Livermore and Los Gatos:

Campo di Bocce of Livermore May 31, 2011 - June 5, 2011

175 E Vineyard Ave., Livermore, CA 94550 | Ph (925) 249-9800

Campo di Bocce of Los Gatos June 6, 2011 - June12, 2011

565 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032 | Ph (408) 395-7650

Come Join the Fun and Help Keep Kids Safe!

Click here to view and print flyer.

Like Us on Facebook

Our Kids Are Safe Kids - Child Safety Resources, Services, & Training

2011-04-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Child Quest believes that education is an essential element in keeping our youth safe. Providing awareness and safety education to children, teens, pre-teens, and parents is the foundation for our goal to stop child victimization. We incorporate a number of nationally recognized safety education programs to effectively reach all audiences and age groups. The idea behind our safety programs is to provide effective prevention education in an engaging, non-threatening environment. If you would like more information on resources or child safety presentations please call us at 1-888-818-HOPE or email at info@childquest.org us so we can provide you with the resources to help keep your family safe.

$hamrock $howcase: Thank You!

2011-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to San Jose State University’s Kappa Delta Sorority for hosting the annual Shamrock Showcase to support Child Quest and fight child victimization and abuse. Shamrock Showcase 2011 was a HUGE success! Congrats to all the winners, especially Alpha Kappa Omega who took home first place. Special thanks to sisters Chelsea Fields and LeAnn Carrillo for all their planning and hard work! Last year the Kappa Delta’s raised over $10,000 for Child Quest. Kappa Delta’s are Keeping Hope Alive!

TOLL FREE Emergency Hotline 1-888-818-HOPE

2011-04-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Child Quest International's (CQI) 24 hour toll-free emergency phone number 1-888-818-HOPE that was put in place to assist law enforcement with thousands of tips when Jaycee Dugard went missing in 1991 is still very active today. Because it is listed as a resource in the emergency section of almost every phonebook in the US, CQI receives many calls before other national missing children organizations. One of the tips we recently received and passed on to law enforcement helped them successfully locate a missing girl in Southern California. CQI also receives and refers thousands of callers seeking assistance for child abuse and sexual exploitation on our toll-free emergency number.

Missing Children: Success

2011-04-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

While it is common for Child Quest International (CQI) to see a spike in parental abductions and runaways after the winter holidays (along with a couple of suspicious circumstances cases), we have been busier than ever this year. We saw a 20% surge in our missing children intake reports for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 2010.

All of the missing children cases we’ve assisted families and law enforcement with since the beginning of this year have been successfully resolved. Understanding that time is critical when a child goes missing, CQI jumps into action very quickly. The safe return of several children this year was because of our rapid poster distributions through our in-house Critical Reach electronic alert system and to our Facebook network of caring individuals. Due to this technology and our collaboration with other investigative resources, we have assisted in the recovery of ten children this year. Some of these children may still be missing if it weren’t for the interdepartmental cooperation of CQI, law enforcement agencies, and Missing Children State Clearinghouses.

Summer Vacation: Family Travel Plans & Tips

2011-03-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Vacation! A word that brings joy to us all! But for many of us, especially parents, it can raise a certain level of uneasiness because many times we are venturing off into the great unknown when we pack the family up to hit the open road. There are many unknowns, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. A sense of adventure and exploring those "unknowns" together with the family can be an awesome bonding experience. But we must ensure our safety for a successful family vacation. Here are some helpful suggestions for family travel ideas, activities, and safety tips.

In The News: Child Quest Gets Credit For Safe Recovery Of Misisng Teen!

2011-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Foster City police credited various law enforcement agencies as well as Child Quest and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with assisting in the investigation. Read Full Story...

Thank you, Foster City Police Department!

It's AMAZING what we can do with a little team work!

Talking to Your Child About the Earthquake in Japan

2011-03-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

While we are all devistated by the recent destruction in Japan, many of our children have never faced a tragedy of this magnitude before. This new exposure often comes with questions and concerns from our young ones. Now, more than ever, children are being exposed to the harsh realties of this destruction thru a constant stream of media, Internet access, and social networks. Good or bad, it is what they are being exposed to. So please take a minute to read up on how YOU should handle things with the children in your life.

[Source: WFAA.com The Kids Doctor]

The powerful and frightening images emerging from the earthquake in Japan can cause children to worry about their own safety, and the safety of their family and friends.

There’s a good chance your children are asking plenty of questions and harboring some very real fears about whether or not the same thing could happen in your hometown. Read the full story...

Abduction Safety Resource Helps Keep Kids Safe!

2011-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Milk Cartons: The Way Back Home is a highly acclaimed, multi-award-winning educational video created to help children understand what they can do to prevent child abduction. Suitable for use by parents and educators, this video has been credited with preventing several abductions. For more information, Click Here!

Togetherville: What Parents Need to Know

2011-02-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

California-based Togetherville launched last year as a free online neighborhood where children ages six to 10 years of age can virtually mingle with friends and "approved" grownups. "There are no strangers, no avatars and no anonymous usernames in a Togetherville neighborhood," the service explained at its website. "Only a parent can create a child's account, and parents are encouraged to use a child's real name and photo to build and foster real-world relationships."

[Source: commonsensemedia.org by Jacqueline Rupp]

Parents need to know that this site is designed to be an introduction to social networking -- Facebook with training wheels, if you will. Positive features include super-safe posts that use scripted phrases, and the ability to socialize with known friends -- without stranger-danger and inappropriate posts. Parents are kept on top of all interactions and have control over the friend selection process. But because Togetherville trains kids in the ways of social networking, you'll have to think long and hard about what age you want your kids to start. Parents also need to be aware that an adult Facebook account is required for the creation of children's accounts on this site.

Families Can Talk About...

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. These tips that can help:
•Families can talk about the rules of social networking. Whether sites have safety nets or not, what are some ground rules for safe socializing online? What are some pieces of information that are strictly off limits.
•Families can talk about the drawbacks to social networking. Is it something elementary-school aged children should be focused on, or are there better ways to socializing, like playing together outside? What happens to our communication skills if we spend too much time in front of a screen? Do you think it is as fun to chat with someone online as it is to do so in person?
•Families can talk about setting time limits on digital entertainment. How much is too much time for an eight-year old to spend online? What other forms of communication and entertainment are you giving up if you focus too much on online social interactions?

Whats your opinion on Togetherville? Is 6 years old too young for social networking, even in a seemingly "protected" virtual environment?

Do Something: National Missing Children's Day

2011-02-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Every year our nation recognizes May 25th as National Missing Children's Day. On this day, child advocates, law enforcement, community members, and children themselves are recognized for their efforts to help keep children safer every day of the year. In addition to the awards ceremony, this day is an annual reminder to the parents, guardians, and the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families and make child protection a national priority.

While this is a very commendable, all we ever really hear about is the ceremony. Again, the ceremony is a great and positive way to celebrate the many successes in keeping our nation's children safe. But where is the call for action for communities across the nation? What is that action? We can't help but feel that National Missing Children's day should be more than just a ceremony (or a poster contest). After all, ceremonies don't keep our kids safe. What keeps our children safe is education and awareness. It doesn't matter if it is abduction safety or cooking safety, education and awareness are always the foundation for safety.

Here's what we're getting at, Child Quest would like to ask you to Do Something... This May 25th, National Missing Children's Day, take the opportunity to talk with your children and family about abduction safety. It doesn't have to be "intense and scary". You could do something as simple as getting a Child I.D. Kit for your child on that day, or you could take it a step further and discuss some family guidelines on who are "trusted adults" in your family and/or neighborhood. You could even play the "What if..." game while out doing family errands. Talk to your children and see what they know and then gently guide them to success.

The point is to do something constructive and take advantage of this nationally recognized day to invest in your families safety. Feel free to visit our website for safety tips and our multi-award winning abduction safety video Milk cartons: The Way Back Home.

P.S. - We are more than happy provide child safety presentations for schools and community groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Yahoo! Safely

2011-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Looks like Yahoo! has stepped up again to help protect children online by launching a child online protection site... If you don't remember they provided us with Yahoo! Kids, originally known as Yahooligans!, which was founded in March 1996 by Yahoo! to provide children with a venue to find age-appropriate online content for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The site can be used for both educational and entertainment purposes.

[Source: safely.yahoo.com]

This year, during global Safer Internet Day on Feb. 8, 2011, the industry [came] together to help educate families and promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones among children and youth.

Online safety is a priority for Yahoo! and [they celebrated] global Safer Internet Day by introducing Yahoo! Safely in 26 countries across 14 languages providing parents, educators and youth with information and advice about making smart choices online. As one of the only global safety resources, Yahoo! Safely offers locally relevant advice on important topics such as managing digital reputations, avoiding cyber-bullying, and learning how to minimize risks on mobile devices.

Check it out and let us know what you think...

Six myths about keeping kids safe online

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

While many of the rules for online safety have not changed in our opinion, there are some that need a little "updating" to reflect the current reality of online safety for children in 2011. Child Quest feels this article represents a creditable list of safety "updates" to consider for your children's online activity.

[Source: Yahoo.com]

Keeping kids safe online may not seem easy, especially because today’s parents didn’t grow up immersed in the technology that our kids are exposed to early on. But regularly talking to your kids about what they’re doing on the Web, how they play online games, and when they use mobile phones can go a long way towards teaching them how to act responsibly and safely.

Try not to get caught up in all the hype that can surround the online world and focus instead on what really matters. Below are the facts behind common myths from child safety expert Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, adapted from CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering Digital Kids in the World of Texting, Gaming and Social Media.

To read the full article, click here.
For Internet Safety Tips, please visit our website at http://www.childquest.org/

2011 Missing Children's Day Poster Contest - Deadline Extended!

2011-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children's Day. Each year the Department of Justice (DOJ) commemorates Missing Children's Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.

In 2000, Attorney General Eric Holder, then serving as Deputy Attorney General, presented the first annual National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest award at DOJ's Missing Children's Day observance.

Since then, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) sponsors a national poster contest and announces the winner at the annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony in Washington, DC. The purpose of the contest is to demonstrate America’s united effort to bring missing children home safely, while highlighting the importance of proactive education programs. The poster contest and the educational activities that accompany it are designed to assist with this mission by keeping the issue at the forefront of people’s awareness.

More importantly, the poster contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and other community organizations to engage children and their parents in informative discussions about the problem of missing children and how to prevent it. Student involvement in the poster contest promotes peer education, while compelling students to explore the significance of the theme “Bring our Missing Children Home.”

The national winner will travel to Washington, DC to receive an award and participate in the 2011 Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

The theme for the poster contest is "Bring our Missing Children Home."
Only fifth grade students are eligible to participate in the contest.

2005 National Winner

From Our Friends at radKIDS

2010-10-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

...click on the Halloween Flyer or click here to print your own copy...

AMBER Alert Helps Local Hero Save a Life

2010-10-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

An 8 year-old child was abducted in front of her home by an adult male on October 4, 2010. They were believed to be traveling in a brown and red 1980's or 1990's Ford pickup truck with a horizontal stripe on the side.

Thanks to a statewide AMBER Alert and a vigilant and brave local citizen, Victor Perez, the child was safely located and reunited with her family... and the bad guy has been apprehended. THANK YOU Victor Perez! Child Quest commends Victor for his his quick and life changing decision to get actively involved in saving a little girls life. Victor Perez is a true Child Quest Hero.

Click here to read more about this story...

Back To School Safety

2010-08-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

I know I am special and no one has the right to hurt me or make me feel scared…

Something every child should know!

I tell my parents about things that happen to me that make me feel uncomfortable, sad, or scared.
I know the difference between a good secret and a bad secret. A good secret is fun to keep, like a surprise party. A bad secret feels bad to keep, and telling my parents about it doesn’t make me a “tattle tale.”
I never put my name on my clothes, jewelry, caps, or belongings where people can see it.
I use the “Buddy System” and avoid walking to and from school or playing outside alone.
I know that a stranger is anyone I don’t know well. Even people I recognize - like the mailman or ice cream truck driver - are strangers, and that someone can be a stranger even if they look nice or know my name.
When I walk down the street, I always face traffic so that I can see if someone stops the car near me. I never take shortcuts through deserted areas like creeks or vacant lots.
I know to Yell, Run, & Tell if someone I don’t know approaches me or makes me feel uncomfortable and scared in any way. I know that running to a safe place and telling a trusted adult is better than hiding.
I know to stay a safe distance (approximately 3 arm-lengths) away from strangers and stranger’s cars, even if a stranger seems nice.

For more information on child safety, please visit http://www.childquest.org/

Family, Friends Using Facebook to Find Missing Young Man

2010-07-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Facebook and social media in general are being used more and more in cases like this (missing persons), according to Anthony Gonzalez, director of programs and outreach for Child Quest International, a non-profit group that aids law enforcement in finding missing children and at-risk adults.

“You do see more postings. It’s definitely becoming a trend,” he said. Child Quest has taken on Jackson’ s case under what’s known as Suzanne’s Law, which covers missing young adults between the ages of 18 and 21. Read Full Article...

For more information on Jackson Miller and other missing children, please visit our website at http://www.childquest.org/

Family, Friends Using Facebook to Find Missing Young Man

2010-07-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

CUPERTINO, CA. – Jackson Miller is missing, and his family and friends want to find the 20-year-old fast. They’ve used every traditional tool they can think of to search for him, as well as one that is being increasingly used in this age of social media: Facebook.

“Jackson Miller, Missing – Help Us Find Him” was started on May 20, 2010, five days after the young man disappeared , one day after dozens of friends had canvassed San Francisco, the last place he had been seen. Jackson had been suffering from depression and anxiety in the weeks leading up to the disappearance.

Almost immediately after the page was created, posts came pouring in from family and friends, encouraging Jackson’s parents, Gina Funaro and Paul Miller. Funaro, Miller, and friends posted information on the site about how to distribute flyers and who to call if anyone sighted Jackson. Soon, however, the messages were being posted directly to Jackson.

“We love you Jackson,” one woman wrote on May 22.

“Jackson – I love you. Let’s meet somewhere for a burrito. Please call me,” Funaro wrote on May 23.

“Jackson, you are so special and there are now over 1,000 caring people that are concerned about you,” his dad wrote on May 26, referring to the people who had become friends of the page in the first week the page was up. “I miss talking with you everyday. You are wonderful and have so much more to give to this world.”

Facebook and social media in general are being used more and more in cases like this, according to Anthony Gonzalez, director of programs and outreach for Child Quest International, a non-profit group that aids law enforcement in finding missing children and at-risk adults.

“You do see more postings. It’s definitely becoming a trend,” he said. Child Quest has taken on Jackson’ s case under what’s known as Suzanne’s Law, which covers missing young adults between the ages of 18 and 21.

The posts on the Jackson Miller page, like the paper flyers that family and friends have plastered all over San Francisco, are meant to do one thing: find Jackson. It has been a heartbreaking, frustrating, and sometimes chilling, process for Funaro and Miller.

There was the day they reviewed Coast Guard tapes of the waters below the Golden Gate, trying to determine if Jackson had jumped. The bridge was in the distance on the video, but they saw a splash. According to bridge officials, there were no videos from their cameras on the bridge showing anyone jumping. Since then witnesses have reported seeing Jackson in the city, including one man who said he was “100 percent sure” the man he conversed with was Jackson.

One woman reported seeing Jackson on Monday, July 26, in San Francisco, wearing the same brown leather boat shoes he was reportedly wearing when he disappeared.

Funaro said they knew almost immediately something was amiss when they realized Jackson was missing on Saturday, May 15. He had been depressed, struggling with anxiety and other issues for a couple of months.

“He was especially despondent that day,” Funaro said. “He seemed like he had no energy and was really hopeless.”

In the afternoon Jackson borrowed a car telling his parents a story about meeting some people they trust. When he didn’t come back at the expected time, Funaro and Miller found out there had been no meeting. They tried calling his phone, his friends. He wasn’t answering and friends hadn’t seen him. They called the Santa Clara County Sheriff ‘s office that night.

On Monday, May 17, they found out the car had been abandoned in an employee parking lot at the Golden Gate Bridge. They immediately drove the approximately 45 miles to the bridge and began their frustrating quest to review videos to find out whether Jackson was alive or not. National security rules prevented them from viewing bridge tapes, which is why they followed a suggestion to check Coast Guard tapes. But bridge officials assured them there was no video of a jump, and no eyewitness reports on a busy day at the bridge.

On Wednesday, May 19, 12 carloads of friends headed up to San Francisco to hand out fliers, Funaro said. The searchers included neighbors, Jackson’s friends, people from the Cupertino Hills Swim and Racquet Club where the family is active and Jackson coached swim teams, Miller’s work, and from the communities of the schools Jackson and their 17-year-old daughter have attended. Their search yielded at least two witnesses who said they talked to a young man who looked like Jackson.

The next day, Jackson’s friends Christine Whitehill and Jennifer Proudian set up the Facebook page, with hopes of getting the word out to as many friends of the family as possible. What started as a communication tool for that group soon started getting noticed by friends of friends on Facebook. There are now more than 1,400 friends of the page.

“The whole idea was to get the word out,” Whitehill said. “We didn’t really know what we were dealing with at the time.”

Funaro said she has debated with herself about whether using Facebook is a good idea, especially since she knows how guarded Jackson is about what people know about him, and can get particular about what he looks like in pictures.

“I was concerned more about how Jackson would feel. We knew that Jackson wouldn’t want a lot of people to know that he was even depressed,” she said.

“But I have to always say that we need to get him to safety and not worry about that. I just had to let go.”

Gonzalez said there are pros and cons to using social media.

“It’s a double-sided thing. The good part about it, we believe, is it’s good to get the picture out to as many people as possible,” he said. The down-side maybe that if a child does not want to be found, the site may give him or her clues as to where searches are being conducted, driving the child further into hiding.

Funaro hopes that the efforts of Jackson’s young friends through social media and other means will possibly be the most helpful in finding him. She said she noticed that more and more of his friends are now directly addressing Jackson through the Facebook page.

“Hey buddy I hope you’re doing ok and in good health,” one friend wrote on July 25. “I really wish I could talk to you man we used to have such great conversations and laugh and crack jokes…it was awesome. You’re an amazing person who I greatly miss, please call me….Don’t forget about me.”

For a flier from Child Quest International about Jackson, go to http://childquest.org/viewcase.php?casenum=1394&person=m1. Child Quest officials are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office at 408-299-2311.

[Source: goodneighborstories.com]

Abduction Prevention & Back To School Safety Video

2010-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

National Missing Children's Day - May 25th

2010-05-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today is National Missing Children's Day. Today marks the 28th annual National Missing Children's Day. First proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan and observed by each administration since, National Missing Children’s Day serves as a reminder to the nation about the importance of child safety and remembering children who are still missing.

May 25th marks the anniversary of the day when 6-year-old Etan Patz disappeared from a New York street corner on his way to school. Etan's story captivated the nation. His photo, taken by his father, a professional photographer, appeared in media across the nation and around the world. As a result, Etan became the poster-child for a movement and his photo came to symbolize the anguish and trauma of thousands of searching families.

For three decades, the search for Etan has continued. Just as that day when President Reagan proclaimed the first National Missing Children's Day, Etan is still missing. The widespread attention brought to his case and others eventually led to a nationwide commitment to help locate and recover missing children.

Child Quest International honors this commitment by reminding parents, guardians, and others to make child safety a national priority and encourages them to participate in child safety eduction in order to stop child victimization. If you would like safety tips, conversation starters, or more information on our prevention education programs, please visit www.childquest.org

Keeping Hope Alive

NUMBER OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN THE US NEARS THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION

GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY MAKES REPORTING CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION EASIER

AMBER Alert Awareness Day 1/13/2012: Event recognizes importance of alert

5 Tips for Safer Online Holiday Shopping

THOSE WHO VICTIMIZE CHILDREN ARE USUALLY NOT STRANGERS

Stopping Child Exploitation on Social Media

5 Things You Should Know About Online Scams

Keeping Hope Alive!

The Reality of Missing Children...

Inside AMBER Alert

How Parents Can Keep Children Safe While Shopping & Traveling This Holiday Season

New Report Published By Pew Research Center

Donate Your Vehicle or Vessel Today! Tax Deductible!

Happy Veterans Day

We simply couldn't have said it better ourselves....

Teen Runaways: What's A Parent To Do?

New Study: Online Predators, Victims, & Myths

Help Your Child Manage a Positive Online Reputation

National Study from Common Sense Media Documents Media Use by Children Ages 0 to 8

Halloween Safety Tips

Have a SAFE & HAPPY Halloween with these safety tips!

Click on the poster to print copies for your family & community.

Suzanne's Law

OJJDP 2011 Conference for Children's Justice and Safety

Keeping Hope Alive: Missing Teen Reunites With Family After 4 Years

AMBER Alert Dilemma

Media Is Important In All Missing Person Cases

CQI Success Story: "Today, Justice was Served"

Never Underestimate The Power of Facebook to Find a Missing Child!

Changing the Legacy of Suicide

37th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week September 4th - 10th, 2011

FBI Launches Missing Child App For Parents

Back To School Safety & Abduction Prevention

What Should You Do If You See A Child Who Appears To Be Lost?

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System: CQI Selected As Victim Advocate

FREE. PRINTABLE. SAFETY TIPS 4 KIDS

Missing Children Project: Working To Bring Missing Children Home

NNO 2011: Photos

National Night Out 2011

No Shame In Her Game: Casey Anthony Wants 1.5 Million For First Interview

PSA: Where Sheep Gather™

Law Enforcement Perspective: Exposing the Danger & Prevention

A Teacher Speaks: Educational Videos Protect Kids

Success Story: "Child Quest Helped Us More Than Anyone Can Understand"

Forget Stranger Danger, What About Parental Abduction?

Online Safety: The Basics

Success Story: Father & Daughter Reunion

ERIC ANTWAN BELL - Child Predator/Wanted by FBI

What To Do If...

Safety Tips For Kids | Safety Ideas For Parents

How to Talk to Children about Interpersonal Safety: A Guide for Parents and Educators

June is Internet Safety Month!

The FBI's Parent Guide to Internet Safety

Winton Mom Holds Out Hope for Daughter's Return

Missing Children's Day 2011

SayLocal for Child Safety - Child Quest International Online Fundraiser

Child Quest Int'l Fundraiser @ Campo di Bocce Benefit Week

Our Kids Are Safe Kids - Child Safety Resources, Services, & Training

$hamrock $howcase: Thank You!

TOLL FREE Emergency Hotline 1-888-818-HOPE

Missing Children: Success

Summer Vacation: Family Travel Plans & Tips

In The News: Child Quest Gets Credit For Safe Recovery Of Misisng Teen!

Talking to Your Child About the Earthquake in Japan

Abduction Safety Resource Helps Keep Kids Safe!

Togetherville: What Parents Need to Know

Do Something: National Missing Children's Day

Yahoo! Safely

Six myths about keeping kids safe online

2011 Missing Children's Day Poster Contest - Deadline Extended!

From Our Friends at radKIDS

AMBER Alert Helps Local Hero Save a Life

Back To School Safety

Family, Friends Using Facebook to Find Missing Young Man

Family, Friends Using Facebook to Find Missing Young Man

Abduction Prevention & Back To School Safety Video

National Missing Children's Day - May 25th

37th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week
September 4th - 10th, 2011