CHAMBERSBURG– From the moment a report of a missing child comes in, to the resolution of the case, every action taken has the potential to make the difference between a successful recovery and a tragic outcome.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children developed the Missing Kids Readiness Program to promote best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted and sexually exploited children. 911 call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident.
To meet the requirements of the program, the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services recently worked with NCMEC on the department’s missing child policy to ensure it met the critical elements of NCMEC’s model policy for call center agencies.
Additionally, William R. Smith, Franklin County 911 training and quality coordinator, completed his required training. He also ensured all department telecommunicators, backup shift supervisors, shift supervisors, communications coordinators, administrative assistants and directors completed the online training required for their membership.
Armed with the information, knowledge and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, DES continues to be positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake. The department’s commitment to this training also demonstrates its dedication to protecting the lives and safety of Franklin County’s children.
For more information about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program, visit https://www.missingkids.org/education/training/missing-kids-readiness-program. A full list of Missing Kids Readiness Program-recognized agencies can be found at https://www.missingkids.org/supportus/pon.
