New C.A.R.E. Alert Program Models Amber Plan in California

In 1998, approximately 3,000 children were abducted in California. Child abduction, both by parents and strangers, has become a serious problem in this state-one with which so many of us are all too familiar.

Once a child is abducted, time becomes a critical issue. Unfortunately for many victims, time passes too quickly, and it is far less likely that a child will be recovered unharmed. After an abduction ends in tragedy, we find ourselves surrounded by questions. Law enforcement asks itself, "What can we do differently?" The public asks, "How can we help?" Everyone wants to find a way to prevent a child from being harmed.

In response, California is piloting the Child Abduction Regional Emergency, or C.A.R.E. Alert, which is adapted from the Texas Amber Plan (see related story). This new program provides answers to our questions and one innovative solution to the nightmare of child abduction.

Adapting the Amber Plan for California
Under the guidance of California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the Office of Victim Services was created to develop policy on such cases for the Attorney General's Office. As director of the Office of Victim Services, I learned of an innovative and successful child abduction recovery program, called the Amber Plan, being used in Texas. Although little Amber Hagerman was not found alive, her legacy program has already saved lives.

Marc Klaas and Kim Swartz, whose own children can never benefit from the C.A.R.E. Alert, helped in the development of California's version of this program. Like its companion program in Texas, C.A.R.E. Alert links two of our most important social entities: law enforcement, sworn to protect us; and media, sworn to inform us, so that other children can be spared the tragedies of Polly and Amber.

In cooperation with the Orange County Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association, the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, the Southern California News Media Association, and the Office of the Attorney General, a pilot program has been activated in Orange County.

The C.A.R.E. Alert Plan
Briefly outlined, the program's protocol is as follows:

1. Law enforcement determines that a child abduction has taken place. In the case of a parental abduction, the child must be in danger of bodily harm or being taken from the jurisdiction.
2. Once an abduction is determined, law enforcement completes a special fax form including information about the abduction and surrounding circumstances.
3. That form is then faxed to the key media stations in the Orange County area.
4. These two media stations have agreed to immediately send the information to all surrounding radio and television stations.
5. Once received, all media stations have agreed to interrupt programming to broadcast the information to the public, and encourage listeners to contact the designated law enforcement agency with any information.

Initiating the Plan Throughout California
I am very proud of the C.A.R.E. Alert program developed in Orange County. I am even more proud of the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and the media that have made this idea a reality.

We at the Office of the California Attorney General hope to bring C.A.R.E. Alert to your county, with the goal of making it a statewide program over the next year. The Office of Victim Services is willing and able to help with program development in each county. Please contact us for more information at:

Getting On TRAK To Save Lives. Spring 2000, Vol.6, No.1