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Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force

Dear Community Leaders, District Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, and Parents:

Did you know that more than 37,000 children are reported missing in Illinois each year? Fortunately, most of these children return home safely. Sadly, many do not. Law enforcement, citizens, and even children have been instrumental in keeping children safe and to return them home to their families, community, and school. Every year, Illinois pauses to commemorate the valiant efforts of many organizations and individuals who are responsible for bringing our missing children home. On May 25th, National Missing Children’s Day, we focus our attention on the children who have been recovered, as well as the children who are still missing.

Each year the Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force sponsors a poster contest for grades K-12. We ask you to join us in our efforts to educate Illinois children about safety issues by giving students an opportunity to participate in this poster contest highlighting the efforts to reunite children with their families. The theme for the poster contest is “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The poster contest begins on January 13th AMBER Alert Awareness Day. A complete packet of information relating to the poster contest can be found on the Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force website, www.amberillinois.org. Deadline for the state contest submissions is March 15th.

One winner from each grade will be announced in May and displayed in the following year Illinois AMBER Alert calendar. The 5th grade winner will advance on to the U.S. Department of Justice’s national poster contest with a chance to travel to Washington, DC. and receive an award at the National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony. More information about the national poster contest can be found at DOJ’s website www.ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/programs/postercontest/

Along with the Child Lures Prevention School Program, several other child safety lesson plans have been identified to assist with classroom instruction. You can find them at the following Internet sites:

http://www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm
http://www.icactraining.org/Resources.htm
www.pollyklaas.com

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please send an email to missing@isp.state.il.us or call the Illinois Clearinghouse for Missing Children at 1-800-843-5763.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support. Together we can insure the safety and security of children across the country.

Sincerely,

Illinois AMBER Alert Task Force