InstantAmber News

Safety When Traveling with Children

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Driving
When driving with children, always use the appropriate car seats, child restraints and seatbelts for the child’s size and age. Recheck car seat’s weight restrictions regularly, especially before long trips. Use sunscreens or window protectors to block sun. Make sure necessities are within the drivers reach so they can give things to children without distracting their driving

Make frequent stops to use the restroom and stretch. It’s important to encourage children to stretch and move around but don’t allow them to run off or get distracted by anything such as a stranger’s puppy. Keep children close by and make sure they know to not talk to strangers.
Designate partners for stops, so adults know which children they will be responsible for. If necessary, make arrangements and explain to children about using the restroom– ie: a little boy might have to go to the ladies room with mom. Use family restrooms when available.

Stranger safety is even more important when traveling by bus or train. If available, use seatbelts, car seats or child restraining device at all times. Do not allow children to walk around freely around bus or train aisles. Keep children within reach at all times.

Flying
At checkpoints, remember that everyone regardless of age has to be screened. Keep in mind that officers are specially trained and they will not ask you to do anything that will separate you from your children. If a child can walk on their own, they should go through the x-ray machine alone. If your child cannot walk, send all blankets, pacifiers and toys through machine and carry your child through. During this process do not attempt to hand your child to anyone else or a security officer.

Check your children’s carry-on bags before you go in the airport to make sure they didn’t sneak in any last-minute unapproved items or liquids. This may cause hang-ups while going through security. Children often get afraid and don’t want to put their belongings through the machine. This is something that you can practice at home before leaving.

Safety is critical in the airport terminal because it’s often crowded and busy making it an easy place for children to get lost. As a guardian, try not to get distracted and watch children at all time. Be prepared by arriving to the airport early and having ID, tickets, etc handy.

Prepare children ahead of time in the event they get lost or separated. Point out security officers to older children, maybe introduce them to an officer so they know they are safe and can recognize their uniform in an emergency. Give them an airport map and mark where your gate is, as well as restrooms or other important landmarks.

Once on the plane, the safest place for child during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device. FAA strongly encourages (but doesn’t require) the use of a car seat, less than 16” wide or an FAA child approved harness restraint (as seen in image). Make sure your car seat is government approved and says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft“. The harness restraints are easier to travel with than a hard-backed car seat and accommodate children over 20lbs but make sure your harness says "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only".

Children that weigh less than 40lbs need to be in an approved child restraint system (CRS). Do not let children sit in the aisle seat because could get hurt putting arms or legs in aisle. Make sure children over 40lbs keep safety belt buckled at all times.

At Destination
When you arrive in the room, toddler-proof the room if necessary as you would your home. Also, check to make sure the previous guests did not leave behind any small objects. Check hotel provided cribs for loose parts or hardware and make sure the bedding is soft and doesn’t pose a risk of suffocation.

There are lots of hazards to be aware of at the beach, be prepared with first aid sunscreen and life jackets. Also need to be aware, especially if crowded of where children are at all times. Determine a system of who is watching which children in a group. Make sure you know who is in the water and that nobody wanders off. It’s easy to get lost if everyone is spread out or adults assume someone else is watching a certain child.

At amusement parks or crowded areas, dress children in bright-colored clothing so that they are easier to spot. Consider using a child safety leash or harness to keep children nearby. Also new child locator devices, such as nanonavi available in our child safety store help locate children if they get separated.
Establish different rules for older kids and teenagers. Oftentimes older kids want to go off on their own on vacation but age doesn’t equate to safety. Make sure kids have maps of the resort or amusement park, are wearing correctly set watches (note time zone changes), carrying cell phones and determine regular “check in” meeting places and times.

InstantAmber and Safe Travels
The most important thing to pack when traveling with children is InstantAmber. Update your children’s data and images before you leave home and take peace of mind on your trip.

Don’t leave home without InstantAmber. Parents can upload and securely store data and photos vital to law enforcement's recovery efforts in the event that their child goes missing. Law enforcement can access critical data and photos in seconds, not minutes or hours, dramatically increasing the odds of successfully recovering a missing child. There is nothing to carry, forget or lose. The information and photos are accessible worldwide, 24/7. Parents get the peace of mind that they have taken every precaution and are as prepared as possible in the event that their child goes missing.

Child Abducted from Home

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Update-- Missing Child Found, Safe
Police found Christian Guevera was found in an Atlanta apartment complex, late Thursday afternoon. They arrested three men and one woman in the abduction case. The kidnappers demanded random from Christian’s mother which makes investigators believe they knew his mother had insurance money from the father’s death.

Thursday, February 04, 2010 4-year old Christian Guevera was abducted from his home in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother reports that she returned home from running an errand and was assaulted by two Latino men in ski masks, shortly before 9am. They assaulted her with a stun gun, took the child and drove away in a white Chevrolet Suburban. Investigators are currently looking for clues around the Village Mobile Home Park where the assault and kidnapping took place.

The missing child, 4-year old Chrisitan Guevera was wearing pajamas with cars printed on them, is approximately 3 feet tall, weighs 30-lbs and has brown eyes and brown hair. If you have any information about the missing child, the vehicle or the suspects, please call 911 with details.

Family photo from Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit ajc.com for the latest news.

Missing: Baby Gabriel

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Update- February 3, 2010

Person of Interest Tammi Smith Arrested & Released
Tempe police arrested “person of interest” in the missing baby Gabriel case, Tammi Smith, 37 on counts of forgery, custodial interference and conspiracy to commit custodial interference. Smith is accused of providing Gabriel’s mother, Elizabeth Johnson with adoption advice. In hopes of adopting the baby herself, Smith is also accused of “bullying” the baby’s father Logan McQueary to sign over his custodial rights via threatening text messages and phone calls. Police do not believe Smith has anything to do with the baby’s disappearance or has any information about where baby Gabriel is. Tammi Smith was released on Wednesday morning.

Search Continues for Baby Gabriel Johnson
Internationally known private investigator Jay J. Armes has now taken on the baby Gabriel case. Armes has met with the baby’s father McQueary and they are prepared to retrace Elizabeth Johnson’s journey and figure out where she got separated from Gabriel in San Antonio. Searches for baby Gabriel’s body continue at local landfills but Armes believes the baby is still alive.

Update- January 26, 2010

Elizabeth Johnson Pleads Not Guilty in Missing Child Case
Baby Gabriel Johnson’s mother Elizabeth Johnson pleaded not guilty in court on Monday January 25 on charges of conspiracy to commit custodial interference and custodial interference. In addition, Ms. Johnson is being charged for kidnapping and child abuse. Searches continue for the missing baby.

Update- January 19, 2010

New Photos of Missing Baby
As of January 19, 2010, the search continues for 8-month old Gabriel Johnson. New photos of the baby have been released, believed to be taken as late as December 26, 2009 with Elizabeth Johnson’s camera. The police are concerned because the baby appears to be extremely tired and holding some sort of medicine bottle. The photographs and lack of evidence are causing investigators concern, and they conducting parallel investigations because they do not know whether baby Gabriel is alive or dead.

Update- January 14, 2010

The Smiths Visit Mother of Missing Child in Jail
The Smiths (see below, “Persons of Interest”) visited Elizabeth Johnson in jail on Wednesday. After speaking to Johnson, Mrs. Smith is sure that baby Gabriel is still alive. She reports that Johnson described more details about the appearances of the young, Caucasian couple she gave the baby to. Smith went on to say, “According to Elizabeth, these people are going to try and hide this baby”.

Update- January 13, 2010

Reward for Information about Missing Child Case
A news release from the Tempe Police Department announced that there is now a $5,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of Gabriel Johnson. If you have any information about this case, please call San Antonio Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP (7867). There is also a national tip line through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, call (800) THE-LOST (843-5678).

---------------
Baby Gabriel’s Disappearance
Gabriel Johnson, born May 3, 2009, was last seen on December 26, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas with his mother 23 year-old Elizabeth Johnson of Tempe, Arizona. Eight-month old baby Gabriel was officially missing the next day when his biological father, 25 year-old Logan McQueary, received text messages from the mother that she had killed the baby and dropped him in a dumpster. Elizabeth Johnson was arrested in Miami Beach on December 29. Ms. Johnson then changed her story and said she gave baby Gabriel to a couple she met in Texas that seemed “trustworthy”.

As of January 11, 2010, police believe that baby Gabriel is still alive. They have received information that Ms. Johnson attempted to sell or give away her son.

The Smiths: Persons of Interest
Last Thursday, Jack and Tammi Peters Smith became ‘persons of interest’ in the case because of their connection to the Johnsons. The Smiths, of Scottsdale, Arizona, approached distressed Elizabeth and then one-month Gabriel at the Indianapolis airport last spring. Ms. Johnson talked to them about needing help with the baby and took their contact information.

The couple did not hear from Ms. Johnson until months later on the evening of December 8, 2009. She contacted them to see if they were interested in adopting Gabriel because she didn’t want the father to get custody. The Smiths kept Gabriel in temporary custody for eight days. McQueary, the biological father would not grant legal permission to terminate his parental rights. Johnson took the baby back from the Smiths allegedly to follow the court order and give him to McQueary. The Smiths have stated that they were not involved in baby Gabriel’s disappearance and do not have any information about where he is.

Elizabeth Johnson’s Next Move
After getting Gabriel back from the Smiths, Ms. Johnson drove with him to Texas, where she says she now gave the baby to another couple who approached her in a park before continuing on to Miami Beach, where she was first arrested. She now being help by Tempe police on a $1 million cash bail and being charged with kidnap and abuse.

Police continue to say they are receiving indications that baby Gabriel is still alive. Anyone with information about Gabriel Johnson is asked to call the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311.

Preparing for missing child emergencies
Nearly 1,000,000 children are reported missing every year in the US. Children go missing for a variety of reasons: they get lost, get separated for their parents, run away and, unfortunately, are abducted. One way or another, children are going to go missing. There’s a 1 in 42 chance that your child will go missing before the age of 19. InstantAmber’s goal is to increase the number of recovered children.

InstantAmber is the ground-breaking child safety service of the 2010s. It’s an easy to use web-based service that is inexpensive and secure. Sign-up today with promo code “January 2010” and save $30 a year.

Children Travel Safety Webinar

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

InstantAmber is proud to present free webinars hosted by WebEx. Matt Berman, founder of InstantAmber and child safety expert, will be hosting a webinar next week. Our aim with the brief half-hour session is to discuss issues facing parents today and how InstantAmber can help. We will also review InstantAmber’s service and the independent sales rep program for Community Safety Coordinators. The webinar will end with a question and answer session.

Since families are beginning to make spring break plans, next week’s webinar will focus on “Safety when Traveling with Children”. Anybody is welcome to attend the webinar and there are two opportunities to attend—Tuesday, February 2 at 8pm CST or Wednesday, February 3 at 11am CST. Follow the instructions below to join the webinar. Email marketing@instantamber.com with any questions.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Time: 8:00 pm, Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00)
Meeting Number: 801 527 794
Password: February

-------------------------------------------------------
To join the meeting online(Now from iPhones too!)
-------------------------------------------------------
1. Go to https://instantamber.webex.com/instantamber/j.php?ED=132699957&UID=0
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: February
4. Click "Join".
5. If the meeting includes a teleconference, follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

-------------------------------------------------------
To join the audio conference only
-------------------------------------------------------
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): +1-408-600-3600

Access code:801 527 794

OR

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time: 11:00 am, Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00)
Meeting Number: 807 023 015
Password: February

-------------------------------------------------------
To join the meeting online(Now from iPhones too!)
-------------------------------------------------------
1. Go to https://instantamber.webex.com/instantamber/j.php?ED=132700042&UID=0
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: February
4. Click "Join".
5. If the meeting includes a teleconference, follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

-------------------------------------------------------
To join the audio conference only
-------------------------------------------------------
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): +1-408-600-3600

Access code:807 023 015

Child Molesters Love Polite Kids

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

By Pattie Fitzgerald, Founder Safely Ever After, Inc.

How many times have you told your child to always obey the grownups?

Have you insisted that they hug or kiss “Uncle Johnny” or that family friend or relative who visits every holiday, even though your child obviously feels uncomfortable doing so?

Of course every parent wants to make sure they aren’t raising rude, obnoxious kids. But it can be a dangerous message we give our children when we insist that they deny their instincts, and force them to be polite so that we, the parent, can save face.

It can be especially risky to insist that they express physical affection when they are clearly uncomfortable doing so.

Why?

Because one of the most important things we can teach our kids when it comes to their personal safety is to LISTEN to that inner barometer, their INSTINCT…a.k.a. “the uh-oh feeling”

It’s not about being suspicious of every relative who wants to hug our kids.

It is about letting your child decide HOW they want to express affection and to whom, rather than forcing them to please others.

Why?

Because they may be getting an “uh-oh feeling” that you’re unaware of.   Maybe earlier in the evening Uncle Johnny said or did something that felt “yucky” to your child which you’re oblivious to.   Later on, when it’s time to go home, you insist that your daughter kiss Uncle Johnny goodbye, demanding it when she flat out refuses.

The message your child gets:
1) Don’t trust your own instincts.
2) You have to obey the grownups no matter what.
3) Mom/Dad will not believe you if you tell them about an uncomfortable feeling or touch because you haven’t got the right to speak up for yourself.

The message Uncle Johnny gets:
Jackpot! Here’s a target — a child who’s been taught to be polite no matter what the circumstances. Here’s a child who probably won’t know how to resist an inappropriate touch or have the ability to tell anyone about it!   At the next gathering, he decides he may be able to go a little further with his behavior because you’ve basically laid the ground work out for him already.

And so… the grooming process begins.

Clearly, there will be times when your child just doesn’t want to hug or kiss someone.   It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s because the person’s a child molester. Maybe Uncle Johnny smells funny, maybe he hugs too tightly and it hurts.   Or maybe it’s something more serious.
Whatever the reason… your child should have the right to say NO.

Instead, what usually happens is that we’re “on the spot”, we don’t know what to do, so we force our kid to give a kiss and get it over with so we can go home already!

Blech! Imagine being that child, hoping Mom or Dad is going to help them out of this sticky situation only to find that you won’t. Even worse… from now on here’s a child who will question herself, not trusting her own instincts because she’s been instructed not to.

If we really want to give our children a gift this holiday season… Let them decide how they want to express affection and to whom.   Don’t force them to, because it makes you feel better.    And back them up when they need it.   That’s the gift of a lifetime.   For more information, please visit www.safelyeverafter.com.

About the author

Pattie Fitzgerald is recognized as a leading expert in the field of childhood sexual abuse prevention. She is certified as a Level One Agent and Child Safety Educator through the National Security Alliance/Kid-Safe Network, and previously worked as the original Community Outreach Educator for the national child advocacy agency, Parents For Megan’s Law.

In 2007 she became a guest instructor for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s M.E.R.I.T. program and her workshops and curriculum are used at schools throughout the United States. Her published works have appeared in newspapers, national magazines, and trade journals throughout the country, and she has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN Headlines News, MSNBC, and local Los Angeles television and radio news programs. She is a member of the American Professional Society On The Abuse of Children and the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners.

Amber Alert: Ashley Flores

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Staff Sergeant Rick Williams
Rolla Police Department
1007 N. Elm St
Rolla , Mo. 65401
(573) 364-1213
Fax (573) 364-6346

Please look at the picture, read what her mother says, then forward, thank you!

My 13 year old girl, Ashley Flores, is missing.
She has been missing now for two weeks.
Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child.
That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation
of her picture on TV.. The internet circulates even overseas,
South America , and Canada etc.
Please pass this (link) to everyone in your address book.
With GOD on her side she will be found.
'I am asking you all, begging you to please
forward this email on to anyone and everyone
you know, PLEASE...
It is still not too late. Please help us.. If anyone
knows anything, please contact me at:
HelpfindAshleyFlores@yahoo.com
I am including a picture of her.
All prayers are appreciated!!

One Bowl, No Mixer, Low-Fat Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

By Alison Lewis, Ingredients, Inc.

My kids love Banana Bread so when we have overripe bananas they always get put to good use. My oldest son, Alec, has really taken to cooking lately (i hope he’s not going to be mad I wrote this). I was so busy in the kitchen tonight with lasagna and spaghetti that I said, “Why don’t you make it yourself?” He took a recipe of mine and modified it using no mixer, one bowl and stirred it all together at once. He substituted Greek yogurt for the buttermilk, and it came out great! He was so surprised and proud when it was came out of the oven, and I was really excited and impressed. It’s a great recipe. I hope it is one of many of his to come.

Low-Fat Banana Bread
Cook: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 to 14 servings

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
11/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (I used Fage)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking spray

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, eggs, bananas, yogurt and vanilla in a large bowl, mixing well. Pour batter into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

For more delicious recipes by Alison Lewis, visit http://www.ingredientsinc.net/.

InstantAmber Webinars

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

InstantAmber is excited to announce that starting this month, as added support for our Community Safety Coordinators, customers and prospects, InstantAmber’s founder Matt Berman will be hosting regular webinars. Our aim with the brief half-hour session is to review InstantAmber’s service, share critical data and missing children statistics, and discuss issues facing parents today and how InstantAmber can help. We will end with a question and answer session.

The webinars are an online meeting hosted by WebEx.com, which is free to join either online or by telephone. We are offering 2 chances to catch the first webinar, Tuesday January 19 at 8pm CST and Wednesday January 20 at 11am CST.

Anybody is welcome to join the webinars! Please email us, marketing@instantamber.com if you would like an invitiation to the webinars. Details for the next webinar will be posted online.

Click here to learn more about the Community Safety Coordinator (CSC) program. We encourage you to forward this information to people you know that are interested in protecting children, strengthening their community and earning extra income. And the CSC program has no geographic limitations so you can invite people from anywhere in the US or Canada.

Northwest Conference Against Trafficking

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Soroptimist International Northwestern Region presented the Annual Northwest Conference Against Trafficking on January 9, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. The emcee was Priva David of KOIN6. Keynote speakers included Jane Velez-Mitchell, Cathy Standiford, Dallas Jessup and William Hillar. Click here to read more about the speakers. The conference featured breakout sessions, keynote speakers, an exhibit expo and an award luncheon.

Jane Velez-Mitchell, a television news journalist and host of the show “Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell” on HLN was honored at the event. She received the Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women.

This award “acknowledges women who are working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal or professional activities.”

Click here to read the full press release.

For more information contact info@nwcat.org or visit www.NWCAT.org.

Have you witnessed or experienced human trafficking? Call 1-888-3737-888.

Special January Discount

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! As you make resolutions for 2010, remember your precious children and resolve to keep them safer this year.

In honor of our New Year’s resolution to continue keeping children safe, we are offering to waive the $30 membership fee for new InstantAmber members that sign-up in January 2010. Committing to protecting children is important, therefore you will just pay the per child cost of $10 for life. Join us in protecting our children!

Sign-up today with promo code January 2010

Give Security and Peace of Mind for the Holidays

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Although many parents do not want to think of the possibility, having a child go missing is unfortunately a reality. Parents and guardians need to be prepared for such events. Luckily, new innovative technology helps relieve concerns about child safety. The InstantAmber Child Safety Store not only has gifts that help protect your family but also offers generous discounts thanks to partnerships with these great organizations and businesses that share the same common goal of protecting children and ensuring child safety.

Nanomatic and InstantAmber
The InstantAmber Finder is a small device that fits into a child’s pocket or backpack, pet’s collar, or any other object that a parent wants to locate. InstantAmber Virtual Care and InstantAmber Finder coupled with InstantAmber’s unique, comprehensive online data gathering and storage system will ensure that parents and caregivers are prepared for any unforeseen emergency. Visit the nanonavi InstantAmber nanostore to learn more and save $40.

This holiday season, let your children’s safety be one less stressor. Visit the Child Safety Store for more information and deep discounts on a variety of products and services.

Keep Your Entire Medical History as Handy as Your House Keys

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Safely store and protect your medical records...This Revolutionary, Portable Device Could Very Well Save Your Life!

Visiting the Doctor can be quite stressful. This can be especially true when you have to fill out form after form, and answer question after question about your health, medications, past surgeries, and the list goes on. With so many questions, it’s easy to forget something critical information and even some of the reasons why you are there.

But, in order to be treated effectively, your physician needs to know all of your medical information, especially the medications and dosages you are taking. If you are unresponsive in a medical emergency and can’t speak for yourself, you are at risk of drug interactions, serious allergic reactions, and other treatments that could put your life in serious danger.

Fortunately, there is a simple, inexpensive solution.

The good news is there’s a revolutionary new device that allows you to have all your personal health information at your fingertips. It’s called MedFlash™ It puts you in control of your health.

MedFlash is a 2 gigabyte (GB) portable flash drive that stores your complete medical history—from allergies, insurance information, and past surgeries to prescription medications and lifestyle information. Plus, it can store images, including MRIs, X-Rays, and EKGs. I also recommend that you add specifics about the supplements you take.

And no need for concern about privacy; MedFlash does not require any information that would be used for identity theft. You even have the option to keep certain information locked. Just remember to keep all information that an emergency responder would need to know unlocked.

A time saver...a life saver

MedFlash is another way for you to really take care of yourself. Having all your medical information in one easy-to-access place reduces the potential for drug interactions and medical errors. MedFlash gives you the opportunity to print out your medications and dosages before an appointment with a physician so you don’t forget anything. You can also access your information at the physician’s office. This saves time and ensures accuracy.

In an emergency, MedFlash can provide crucial information to medical personnel even if you are unresponsive. It’s a true lifesaver especially if you have a complicated medical history, a disability, or if you travel.

Simple to use and 100% secure

Plus, MedFlash is extremely easy to use. It comes with a user friendly program that allows you to quickly enter and upload your medical information into a secure, online data file. And MedFlash is so small, you can carry it in your purse, pocket, or easily attach it to your keychain so you’ll always have it with you. You can also safely access your health records directly through the MedFlash web site, which is password protected.

MedFlash is the easiest way for you to have your medical information with you at all times. Even military contractors in Afghanistan rely upon MedFlash!

Making certain your medical information is always accurate is not just a matter of convenience. In an emergency, MedFlash gives first responders and hospitals all the critical information needed to save your life.

Order yours today and get a free coupon for $500 in immediate savings, Click Here.

InstantAmber CEO on FOX News Channel as Child Safety Expert

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

CEO of InstantAmber, Matt Berman, recently appeared several times on the FOX News Channel as a child safety guest-expert.

Read the Press Release

Visit InstantAmber's YouTube Profile

InstantAmber Partners with Nanomatic to Help Parents Locate Their Children

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:27:32 -0500

InstantAmber is proud to announce its new partnership with Nanomatic, a leader in location devices and software applications. The partnership will enable InstantAmber to offer a Virtual Care package to customers. InstantAmber Virtual Care is an innovative product that allows parents and caretakers to locate their children, pets, and possessions via their mobile phone or InstantAmber finder.

Read the Press Release

Resources for the Families of Missing Children

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, we provided information on non-profit organizations that help the missing and their families. This is part two of "Resources for the Families of Missing Children," which will provide informative guides, listing of governmental agencies, and important links to help families cope with a missing child emergency.

Other Resources for the families of the missing:
This section highlights helpful links and guides that will help parents find resources for support and the next steps. The information below is from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Report, May 2004.

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC):
OVC makes awards each year to state crime victim compensation and assistance programs to supplement state funding for victim services. Crime victim compensation is the direct payment to a crime victim or to his or her family to help cover crime-related expenses, such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, or funeral services. Every state administers a crime victim compensation program, and most programs have similar eligibility requirements and offer a comparable range of benefits.

Crime victim assistance programs provide direct services, such as crisis intervention, counseling, emergency transportation to court, temporary housing, and criminal justice support and advocacy. For information about these programs, contact your local crime victim compensation or crime victim assistance program.

Contact Information:
Office for Victims of Crime
Office of Justice Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
810 Seventh Street NW.
Washington, DC 20531
202-307-5983
202-514-6383 (Fax)
Internet: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/

Missing Children's Clearinghouses:
Missing children's clearinghouses are state government agencies connected with law enforcement. Because the types of services available in each state vary substantially, you need to call your state clearinghouse to find out both what services are available to help you in your search and whether the clearinghouse will distribute photographs of your missing child. Then, you can call other state clearinghouses in your region and throughout the nation to compare services and take advantage of those not available to you in-state. Do not forget to keep a list of what you learn about each clearinghouse in a spiral notebook for later use. Please contact your state's investigative bureau for more information or click here and scroll to the "Missing Children's Clearing Houses" title.

When Your Child is Missing, A Family Survival Guide:
This Guide was written by parents and family members who have experienced the disappearance of a child. It contains their combined advice concerning what you can expect when your child is missing, what you can do, and where you can go for help. It explains the role that various agencies and organizations play in the search for your missing child and discusses some of the important issues that you and your family need to consider.

To view the complete survival guide, please click here.

Important Links:

NCMEC, 800–THE–LOST® (800–843–5678)
Association of Missing and Exploited Children's Organizations, Inc.
Child Find of America, 1-800-I-AM-LOST
National Runaway Switchboard, 1-800-Runaway