The state of New York utilizes a full complement of resources in the search and recovery of missing children. An initial tool may be the New York Amber Alert program, a cooperative effort between local law enforcement and broadcast media to provide an early warning system to help find abducted children. The New York Division of Criminal Justice also offers a Missing Child and College Student Alert System, which is an alternative alert system used when a missing child or college student is deemed to be endangered, but the case does not meet Amber Alert activation criteria. The New York Division of Criminal Justice also serves as the state's Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children which provides investigative support services for law enforcement, assistance for family members and community education programs. The clearinghouse presents a great deal of information online relating to basic safety rules, abduction prevention, runaway children, and internet safety for children. Also available via the internet are search databases and websites which offer lists, photos, and details of children currently missing in New York.
