MISSING PERSONS FOUN DATION

History- Each year millions of people throughout the world are reported as missing. Many run away or are forced out from homes where there is neglect, abuse, or intolerable circumstances. Others are abducted for sexual, political or criminal purposes. Many people attempting to avoid child support, contract payments, or legal proceedings elect to voluntarily join the ranks of the missing. A missing person is defined as any person of any age whose whereabouts are unknown to that person’s immediate family, legal guardian, spouse, friends, business associates, or anyone else with a special interest in that person. The Missing Persons Foundation was founded in 1989 to address the needs of missing persons and their families. The entire Management team and Board of Directors are volunteers and do not receive compensation. Since the inception of Missing Persons Foundation, over 550 clients have been served. Services are provided to needy clients free of charge. The Need - Most state and local law enforcement agencies do not have the staff and resources to pursue missing persons cases beyond the initial investigative stages. As a result, many affected families only option is to hire a private investigator which may be beyond their financial means. Some missing persons cases require investigative work outside US borders. The Missing Persons Foundation has offices and field agents worldwide to pursue domestic and international investigations. Most people are unaware of the staggering number of abductions that occur each year. As a result, many people lack the educational training to protect themselves and their children from these tragedies. Also, most parents do not maintain the necessary information about themselves and their children authorities need if a emergency situation arises. As a result, authorities waste valuable time in emergency situations collecting personal data. Programs and Services- • Location and Retrieval of Missing Persons MPF uses modern electronic and informational tracking technology and experienced field investigators to locate, recover, and reunite missing persons with their parents, family, or appropriate legal guardians. • Preventative Education Creation of national and international awareness of missing persons problems by developing community outreach programs to inform, educate and train adults and children how to avoid abductions and personal abuse. One of MPF’s educational programs is its Child Safety Kit. This kit enables parents to record their child’s vital information (height, weight, hair sample, photos etc.) to present to authorities in case of a medical emergency or abduction, saving authorities valuable time. MPF distributes over 300,000 kits to the public each year. • Counseling Services for Recovered Victims Rehabilitation programs and referrals for recovered victims and their families, who have been missing or abused. Why we need your support- The incidents of missing children and adolescents are increasing at an alarming rate. The proliferation of the internet has enabled predators to gain access to unsuspecting children globally and provided a platform to connect Traffickers of children and teens for prostitution with clients. Many of these children and teens lack the education and training to detect an on-line predator or a situation that draws them into an abduction. In addition, many parents lack awareness of the dangers of abductions for Trafficking and the computer skills to truly keep their children protected while they are on-line. As a result; MPF has expanded its educational programs and investigative services. The Missing Persons Foundation is launching a capital campaign in 2021 to establish a 5 “Safe Houses” located across the US. The purpose of the Safe Houses will be to provide a safe facility where at risk, abused or recovered children and adolescents can stay until they can be reunited with their family or returned to a safe environment. Your gift to the Missing Persons Foundation will help fund new and ongoing searches for missing people and directly support program expenses such as; Field investigators Electronic search fees Counselors Volunteer training and development Creation and distribution of educational materials (Child Safety Kits) Safe House program What You Can Do- Your contribution will greatly enhance MPF’s ability to provide continuing support to missing people and their families.