Overview
When human remains are found that are believed to belong to a child, NCMEC can assist law enforcement and medical examiners in the effort to give that child back their name. This process includes assisting in the collection and dissemination of DNA, dentals, fingerprints, and other unique identifiers to help determine the identities of these children. NCMEC’s forensic artists also create facial reconstructions of what the child might have looked like in life in hopes that someone will recognize him or her.
To view facial reconstructions and read information on the cases that NCMEC is working on, visit the Help ID Me Facebook page.
This map shows cases of long-term missing and unidentified children across the US. Click on the map to view more information, search cases by location, date, and to view posters of these children. You may hold the key to giving a child back his or her name!
What NCMEC is Doing About it
In addition to facial reconstructions, NCMEC staff can also provide analytical support and case strategy in long-term and unidentified child cases. Project ALERT is a volunteer team of retired local, state and federal law enforcement officers who assist with these types of cases. They assist in the collection of biometric data and help connect law enforcement with current technologies and forensic methods.
NCMEC’s traditional and social media teams are able to raise public awareness about missing and unidentified children by disseminating photos and information about the missing, often targeting specific geographical areas to maximize impact. The Help ID Me Facebook page is just one example of how NCMEC is using the latest in media trends to help find and protect children.