WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has assisted in the recovery of more than 48,000 missing children to date. To further assist law enforcement in the search for these children, they offer several helpful services. The Center operates a 24-hour, toll-free Hotline, (800) THE-LOST, to handle lead information from the general public, assist professionals and families in their searches, and provide safety and prevention information to help prevent the abduction and sexual exploitation of children.
Other programs include imaging services, poster distribution, training, and publications, as well as websites which allow online users to report information. The CyberTipline, www.cybertipline. com, is an initiative for computer users to report information regarding the enticement of children for sexual purposes, child prostitution, child-sex tourism and the possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of child pornography. Also, www.missingkids.com has a new international division that allows foreign agencies to participate in NCMEC’s missing child database and international website project.