Nick Lampson's Efforts to Combat Child Abduction and Exploitation

While I'm working to advance child safety legislation in Washington, my fellow Caucus members and I are also initiating community, state, and national efforts to combat the growth of child abduction and exploitation throughout the country.

Over the last ten years, I have brought Ernie Allen and Pete Banks of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to my district to host Child Safety Workshops. These workshops educate professionals who deal with children on abuse and abduction. Fortunately, a number of law enforcement officers from the area attended these workshops.

In addition, a number of police chiefs from my district have come to Washington over the past year to attend the Jimmy Ryce Law Enforcement Training Program. This Department of Justice Program offers law enforcement officers a basic 3-day course with tips on investigating both family and non-family abductions and runaways. Law enforcement executive officers can also receive training on how to set up a quick response plan in the event a child is reported missing.

Once I found out that printing missing children's pictures on congressional envelopes was permissible, I made sure that no envelope left my office without a picture of a missing child. Studies show that one out of seven children are recovered because someone recognizes his or her picture. I will continue urging my colleagues in Congress to print pictures of missing children on their official stationery.

I also helped the NCMEC launch a nationwide public service campaign designed to protect the most vulnerable segment of the population - teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 17. The "Know the Rules" campaign includes three basic "rules." First, never go out alone - bring along a pal. Second, always tell a grown-up where you're going. And third, just say "no" if you feel threatened.

In addition, I asked the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) to join in this effort by displaying a toll-free number (1-800-THE-LOST) for more information about the "Know the Rules" campaign on billboards, and on signs in bus terminals, subway stations, and shelters around the nation.

I have also asked several businesses and community organizations in Southeast Texas to create safe havens for kids in trouble. The YMCA's Safe Place program links the business community, youth shelters, youth service agencies, and dedicated volunteers together to provide young people-in-crisis a safe route to professional resources and a way to stay off dangerous streets.

Safe Place provides immediate help for young people when and where they need it most - in their own neighborhoods. The program creates a network of businesses and public buildings that display a bright yellow and black Safe Place sign for any child in need of help.

Non-business organizations are also getting involved. For example, fire stations are some of the most popular Safe Place sites throughout the country. Hospitals, libraries, emergency centers, and other community agencies also have volunteered to be safe places for kids. In fact, some communities use their mass transit systems, or other utility and service vehicles as the first point of contact with young people who are scared, confused, or even lost. But more needs to be done! If you are interested in becoming involved in the Safe Place program, please call my Washington, DC office.