Global Missing Children's Network

Photographs are one of the most effective tools in recovering missing children. Technology aids law enforcement during the most critical times in the search for missing children. Rapidly distributing a child's picture can make the difference between a fast recovery and a prolonged search. With this in mind the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) launched the Global Missing Children's Network (GMCN) in August 1998. The GMCN is comprised of websites that feed into a central multilingual database featuring information about and photographs of missing children from around the world. GMCN participants are given access to a website interface, which allows them to customize their countries' websites to meet individual needs. A GMCN member with an existing website can link to the GMCN and access the database to display information about and photographs of missing children. This enables each country to quickly and easily create posters using the information entered into the missing children's database.

The GMCN also provides technical training for new countries joining the global network, as well as training in forensic imaging (age progression) to local investigators.

In November 2008, 16 participants from 13 GMCN members traveled to ICMEC headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia to attend a 3-day training program on missing children's issues. The program covered topics such as investigative techniques, DNA analysis, AMBER Alert, and other topics focusing on missing children. It was a great opportunity for GMCN members to meet and move forward as a group to build awareness and share experiences.

To date, 17 countries participate in the GMCN:

If you are interested in joining the GMCN or want to find out more information please contact us.