National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) was established in 1984 as a public, non-profit organization,using government funds. It acts as an information resource to help find children who have been reporting missing (either by abduction or running away from home) and to help children who may be being abused or sexually abused.

It operates an information clearinghouse which distributes photographs of missing children and accepts tips and information from the public. It also co-ordinates with law enforcement agencies and lobbies for passage of legislation.