In Brief

Missing and Exploited Children's Issues -- Online OJJDP Online

A Web Site Unveiled

OJJDP's Missing and Exploited Children's (MEC) Program now has its own Web site. The site explains what the program does and lists proposed new MEC programs and continuation programs for fiscal year 1998. In addition, it offers practical information to parents, family members, educators, law enforcement and court officials, and others concerned about the problem of missing and exploited children.

Screen capture of MEC Web site A site map shows visitors at a glance the main headings and some of the subtopics. Thus, for example, even without opening "Support for Parents," visitors can see that it addresses both how to protect your child and what to do if your child is missing. The site also includes a section directed specifically to young people. "Tips for Kids" tells children what they need to know if they find themselves in need of protection or where to go if they are scared, lost, hurt, or need help. To make sure the tips are realistic and relevant, children are invited to share their own ideas on protection. Other parts of the site provide information related to the role of law enforcement agencies, courts, and schools in missing and exploited children cases.

Visitors to the site will find extensive links to organizations, publications, and conferences. "Additional Resources" contains links to child abduction sites in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, and the Netherlands. A few examples of the many Web site links include the National Crime Prevention Council, National Youth Network, KidSpace, the Department of Justice's Kids Page, The Polly Klaas Foundation, National Runaway Switchboard, and the CyberTipline. OJJDP encourages all those who are involved in the lives of young children to visit this site and welcomes any feedback on its effectiveness.

CyberTipline Helps Protect Kids
From Online Predators

CyberTipLineGovernment and industry leaders agree that the Internet must not be allowed to become a sanctuary for pedophiles, child pornographers, and others who prey on children. The CyberTipline, launched in March 1998, is part of a new initiative that will help implement a policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation in cyberspace. Parents and others concerned with child safety can use the CyberTipline to file reports of suspicious or illegal Internet activity online (www.missingkids.com/cybertip) or by phone 24 hours a day (800-843-5678).

Operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the CyberTipline handles calls from individuals who want to report the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography; online enticement of children for sexual acts; child prostitution; and child-sex tourism.

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Juvenile Justice Journal   ·   Volume V   ·   Number 1   ·   May 1998