Internet Safety Presentation for Schools

The internet has opened many doors and provided countless educational opportunities for children but going online without knowing some basic safety rules also can be dangerous.  Inadvertent exposure to inappropriate material, cyberbullying or enticement can happen to any child at any time and could have devastating effects.

The New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse at the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) now offers – at no cost – two, 40-minute presentations designed to teach children and young teens the fundamentals of online safety.

The assembly-style presentations teach safe and responsible practices, how to use those skills and encourage students to keep their parents and teachers informed about what they are doing online.

• Grades 5 – 6: This presentation focuses on how to be internet safety smart, avoid risky behaviors online and protect their privacy and personal information. Cyberbullying also is discussed.
• Grades 7 – 9: This focuses on online risky behaviors and inappropriate content, online privacy and protection of personal information, and sexting and sexual enticement. Cyberbullying also is discussed.

To schedule a presentation, complete this Internet Safety Presentation Request Form. For more information about the presentations, please contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse: missingpersons@dcjs.ny.gov or 1-800-346-3543.

Cold Case Review Panel

• The Missing Persons Clearinghouse created a Missing Person Cold Case Review Panel to provide law enforcement agencies with a fresh look at cases that have gone cold for more than three years. The panel features subject-matter experts with diverse perspectives, knowledge and experience from local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

• The Cold Case Review Panel only accepts cases submitted by lead investigating agencies.

• Along with Clearinghouse staff, representatives from the following agencies serve on the panel: the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, New York State Police, Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office, Colonie Town Police Department, Glens Falls Police Department, New York City Police Department, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, National Child Protection Task Force, and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

• In addition, staff from the state-supported network of Crime Analysis Centers will assist with reviews of cases from their regions. The Centers, which operate in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, are located in Albany, Broome, Erie, Franklin, Niagara, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange and Suffolk counties and serve 31 counties statewide.

• There is no cost for the review. Law enforcement professionals seeking more information about the panel or the process may contact the Clearinghouse at missingpersons@dcjs.ny.gov or 800-346-3543.

Runaway Intervention Working Group

Problem

The number of missing children reports entered into the New York State register during 2023 was 12,623. The majority (94%) were reported by police as runaways. More than 50% (6,408) of the reports were for 1,835 children who have multiple missing episodes. Children who runaway can be at risk of homelessness, exploitation for sex and/or labor trafficking, and future involvement in juvenile justice system. Children with multiple missing episodes are more likely to be depressed, have attempted suicide, have serious mental health or substance abuse problems and be at risk of pregnancy, STDs, exploitation, abuse, and academic underachievement, which can lead to dropping out of school.

Mission

The mission of the NYS Runaway Intervention Working Group is to develop a systems approach that helps prevent and address the needs of missing youth with multiple missing episodes (chronic runaways).

Purpose

Develop a collaborative effort between national, state, and local agencies and organizations to address the problem of children who have multiple missing episodes and work toward a comprehensive solution that will lead to a reduced number of episodes, a reduction in the length of time of each missing episode and to opportunities for success for children who are deemed chronic runaways.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services’ Missing Persons Clearinghouse serves as the coordinator. The group has three subcommittees:

1. Best Practices Subcommittee: The subcommittee will develop best practice guides for social service agencies and law enforcement agencies involved with children who run away from placement or from their homes. These recommendations will include removing barriers that prevent intervention of children who are chronic runaways.
2. Legislative Subcommittee: The group will examine current legislation related to locating missing youth. Recommendations could include clarifying existing laws, amending existing laws, or creating new laws that would aid in the intervention and locating of children who are chronic runaways.
3. RIPSTOP (Runaway Intervention Program: Services, Training, Opportunity, Prevention) Pilot Program Subcommittee: Develop a local pilot program that has a multi-disciplinary team approach for specific high-risk youth who have multiple missing episodes and evaluate whether it can be used as a model for the state.

The program will serve both youth who are involved with social services, and those who are not, providing opportunities to identify specific services and interventions that can reduce or eliminate runaway episodes.

The program will consist of two main components to be supported at a child advocacy center: Missing Youth Services Referral Program and Multi-Disciplinary Runaway Youth Treatment Team.

A research-based group will be used to measure the success of the pilot program.

Participants

• Buffalo Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf Behavioral Health
• Buffalo Police Department - Special Victims Unit
• Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
• NYS Office of Children and Family Services
• NYS Department of Health
• DCJS Missing Person Clearinghouse
• DCJS Office of Youth Justice
• DCJS Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives
• DCJS Office of Legal Services, Human Trafficking Prevention
• NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• National Child Protection Task Force
• New York State Education Department
• NYC Administration for Children’s Services
• NYS Association of Chiefs of Police
• NYSP - NYSIC Investigative Support Unit
• NYS Sheriff’s Association
• NYS Office of Victims Services
• NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
• NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
• NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
• NYS Office of Mental Health
• St. Anne Institute
• State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association

Forms and Publications

Note: Intake forms can be filled out electronically, saved and submitted via email or printed and filled in by hand.  Adobe Acrobat is required to use the electronic versions and can be downloaded at http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Intake Forms:

• Missing Child Intake
• Missing Vulnerable Adult Intake

Informational Material:

• DCJS NCIC Missing Person Data Guide
• DCJS NCIC Unidentified Person Data Guide
• Family Abduction Prevention and Response
• Identification of Unidentified Patients Model Policy
• International Parental Child Abduction
• Missing Persons Clearinghouse Brochure
• Missing Youth 101 PDF
• Passport Issuance Alert Program
• Service Provider Info Sheet

The New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse has partnered with Project Lifesaver International to provide law enforcement agencies across the state with tracking technology to help locate individuals with cognitive disorders when they go missing.

The state has provided transmitters and accompanying technology at no cost to agencies for use on children and adults who may have an impairment that can cause them to wander from a safe environment. Worn on the wrist or ankle, the transmitter emits an individualized frequency signal that allows first responders to locate the position of an individual. Most individuals who wander are found within a few miles from home and Project Lifesaver technology can reduce search time from hours or days to minutes.

View the list of participating law enforcement agencies. Parents and caregivers may contact the agency in their county to learn whether their family member is eligible for a free transmitter.

Signs of Wandering Behavior of People with Alzheimer’s Disease (Dementia)
A person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

• Comes back from a regular walk or drive later than usual.
• Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work.
• Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home.
• Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements.
• Has a hard time locating familiar places such as the bathroom, bedroom or dining room.
• Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without planting anything).
• Acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as shopping malls or restaurants.

Wandering Prevention

• Have a routine: Create a daily plan that will provide structure. Plan meaningful activities or exercise for any time of the day when the person is restless and tends to wander.  
• Environmental control: Provide supervision, especially if the person is in an unfamiliar environment. Never lock the person in the home or leave them unsupervised in a vehicle. Keep locks and car keys out of eyesight. Install house alarms or use a bell or chimes that indicate when a door has been opened.
• Redirection: If the person is confused or disoriented, refrain from correcting them. Instead, explore different ways to redirect their attention. For example, if the person wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” reassure them by saying they will go there tomorrow, but that they will stay here today.
• Ensure basic needs, such as hunger, thirst and bodily functions are met: Is the person hungry, thirsty or in need of using the restroom?
• Identification:  Use wearable identification, marked clothing and check your county sheriff’s office or police department to see if they offer a tracking program.  In New York State, many sheriff departments offer Project Lifesaver. Check here to see if there is a program in your area.
• Community awareness:  Inform trusted neighbors about your loved one’s tendency to wander and provide your contact information for them to alert you if they see him or her out alone.
• If the person is missing:  First search the immediate area, but for no longer than 15 minutes and then call 911. Explain to the police that the person has Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia and is a vulnerable adult. Be prepared to provide biographical information, clothing description, photo, medical conditions and other information such as interests, history of wandering and locations where he or she was found.

Other helpful sources:

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

National Institute on Aging

New York State Department of Health

A common axiom in the autism community is that if you’ve met one child with autism, you met one child with autism. But there are some common characteristics children with the disorder sometimes share.

A child with autism spectrum disorer:

• May have verbal and auditory limitations; may not make eye contact or respond when verbally engaged.
• May have social challenges or an inability to understand social cues.
• May react negatively to questions or sudden movements.
• May have interests or likes that are calming or helpful with redirection.
• May run or bolt from stressful situations.
• May be impulsive or become aggressive when scared or unable to express needs or wants.
• May seem like a typical person because of normal physical attributes, but act intoxicated, high, unstable, or suspicious.
• May be attracted to water, traffic, or have extreme obsessions with certain ideas, objects, places, or people.

SAFETY TIPS:

• Parents should teach their child about wandering dangers such as traffic, water, and encounters with strangers; how to respond if they find themselves alone or lost in an area outside of home, such as at school or a hotel.
• Safeguard your home. Install secure locks for exterior doors, windows, and garages.  Have a fenced yard with secure gates. Install a house alarm or hang chimes in front of doors. Use baby monitors and visual cues, like stop signs to prevent wandering and elopement.
• Use wearable identification, marked clothing and check your county sheriff’s office or police department to see if they offer a tracking program.  In New York State, many sheriff departments offer Project Lifesaver.  Check here to see if there is a program in your area.
• Inform trusted neighbors about your child’s tendency to wander and provide your contact information for them in case they find your child.
• Swimming lessons are crucial. Check local resources to find swimming lessons.  The final lesson should be with clothes and shoes on. Remember: teaching your child how to swim does not mean your child is safe around water. If you own a pool, install a secure fence. Remove all toys or items of interest from the pool when not in use.
• Be prepared. Download and fill out a Family Wandering Emergency Plan available at AWAARE.org.
• Call 911 immediately if your child is missing. Be sure to inform the emergency dispatcher or police that your child is on the autism spectrum. Be prepared to provide biographical information, a clothing description, a photo and other information such as your child’s interests, history of wandering or locations where he or she was previously found.

Other helpful sources:

Autism Speaks

Autism Society

National Autism Association

Organization for Autism Research

When a Loved One is Missing

Minutes matter when a child or family member is missing –especially if the individual has a cognitive impairment or disability putting them at greater risk of harm.

What a Family Member Can Do:

• Call the police immediately and provide the person’s full name, date of birth, height, weight and any unique identifiers. There is no waiting period to make a missing person report.
• Provide a current photo and describe what the person was wearing when last seen.
• Request that the missing person information be entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center Missing Person File.
• If the missing person drives, be sure to tell authorities about the make, model and license plate number of their vehicle.
• Tell police about special interests or places the individual may be headed, such as a former residence or place of employment.
• Contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at (800) 346-3543 for support and additional assistance.
• Regularly contact investigators to discuss actions being taken and any findings.
• Keep a detailed list of people and agencies contacted during the search for the person to avoid a duplication of efforts and know who to contact when the person is located.

Familial Abductions

Parents and guardians do not need to have a custody determination to report their child missing to law enforcement. You may, however, wish to obtain one because a custody order can help clarify and define your rights and responsibilities to your child. This can also help to obtain the assistance of law enforcement for the pickup and return of your child. For more information visit Legal Resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

NCMEC also offers a variety of publications that provide information and resources for parents and families.

International Familial Abduction

If a parent discovers plans by a potential abductor to leave the country and believes the child's wrongful removal is imminent, he or she should take immediate action. Indicators may include packed suitcases and luggage found at the residence, discovery of recently purchased international airline tickets or a recently issued passport for the child and abductor. If you believe removal is imminent contact:

• Local law enforcement
• FBI Field Office
• Office of Children's Issues at (888)407-4747
• NCMEC at (800) THE-LOST

The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that establishes a civil mechanism to ensure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained outside their country of habitual residence. Parents or guardians are not required to have a custody determination before filing an application under this agreement. They do, however, need to provide evidence of their custodial rights to the child –whether those rights are sole or joint custody rights –and if they arise by operation of law, court order or legally binding agreement.

Not all states have well-articulated laws regarding custodial rights that arise by operation of law, in the absence of a court order or legal agreement, so you may need to contact an attorney. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs also hosts a webpage dedicated to international parental child abduction.

The Office of Children’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State serves as the central authority in Hague Convention cases. In that capacity, the office leads U.S. government efforts with other agencies to prevent international parental child abduction, assist children and families involved in these abduction cases, and promote Hague Convention principles.

RUNAWAYS

KNOW THE SIGNS: Children may attempt to hide their intention to run away, but there also may be subtle hints parents may notice. Eating or sleeping patterns may change. They may isolate themselves from family or change friends. Grades may drop and school absences may mount. They may become unusually argumentative or start breaking rules at home. Some teens will drop hints to friends –maybe even to an adult they know –while others will outright threaten to leave home. They may also gather resources to survive on their own, such as money gradually taken from a bank account or by keeping a packed bag stowed somewhere out of sight. If a parent suspects a child may be preparing to runway, they should immediately address their concerns with the child. Though studies have shown about three-quarters of runaways eventually return home in short order, the time they spend away can put them in danger.

FINDING A RUNAWAY:

• Contact police first.
• Complete the steps listed in What a Family Member Can Do
• Check the homes of friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers or employers, school staff or any location frequented by the child.
• Check area hospitals and transportation hubs for a runaway child.
• Check for clues in the child’s room, school locker and desk. Look for notes, letters, and maps –anything that may tip off where they went.
• Review bank withdrawals and past telephone bills which can help narrow down where a child went.
• Review computers or tablets for emails, online chat conversations and posts on social media. They can provide a trove of information about a runaway’s whereabouts.

FOLLOW-UP ACTION:

• Call the National Runaway Safeline at (800) 786-2929 and ask if the runaway child has left any messages.
• Contact runaway shelters in any areas where the child might have fled.
• Remain in contact with police investigators handling the child’s case and report any new information.
• Continue to connect with neighbors and the child’s friends to see if they’ve heard anything further.
• Be on the lookout for telephone calls from unusual numbers. If a runaway child does call, strive to keep them talking and avoid being judgmental. Provide the child with Safeline’s number if he or she is not ready to return home. The organization can arrange for safe shelter and eventually a ride home.

AFTER A HOMECOMING:

• Promptly notify all involved in the search that the child has returned home.
• Express genuine concern to the child’s safety, not anger or fear.
• Take time to discuss the child’s view points and determine what precipitated the episode. 
• Make every effort to resolve the problems and if they persist, seek advice or assistance from a family counselor.
  

Web Links

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or 1-800-THE-LOST
  The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization. Since 1984, NCMEC has served as the national clearinghouse and resource center for families, victims, private organizations, law enforcement and the public on issues relating to missing and sexually exploited children.
  

• New York State AMBER Alert Plan
  The New York State AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement, broadcasters and others to immediately involve the public, especially motorists, in the search for an abducted child.

• New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation 

• NamUS or questions@findthemissing.org
  The National Institute of Justice's National Missing and Unidentified Persons System is a national centralized repository and resource center for missing persons and unidentified decedent records. NamUs is a free online system that can be searched by medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement officials and the public in hopes of resolving these cases.
  

• Team Hope
  Peer support to families of missing and sexually exploited children.

• Center for Hope or (518) 884-8761
  The Center for Hope is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the mission of providing resources to educate, assist and support families and friends coping with the pain and uncertainty surrounding the disappearance of a loved one. 

• Child Find of America
  Child Find of America Inc. is a national non-profit organization that provides professional services designed to prevent and resolve child abduction and the family conflicts that can lead to abduction and abuse.

• Project Lifesaver International
  Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community-based non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, emergency personnel and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to wandering.

• National Runaway Safeline