1. Missing Child & Code Adam Alert
ACPL Safety Training
Missing Child & Code Adam Alert

2. Learning Objectives
By the end of this training session, you will be able to:
Tell the difference between an Amber Alert and Code Adam Alert
Indicate the time involved in the missing child procedure
Define Code Adam
Describe the purpose of a Child Description and Vital Information Form
Describe when to call 911 in a missing child situation
Explain what happens when a child is found
Identify steps to follow after a missing child incident

3. Missing child & code adam
Background Information

4. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert
Code Adam was implemented shortly after the Adam Walsh and Etan Patz missing children cases. Only the Adam Walsh case has been recently solved. A child goes missing in the United States approximately once every 40 seconds.
Etan Kalil Patz 6 years old New York City 1979
Adam Walsh 7 years old Hollywood, Florida 1981

5. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert
After these two missing children cases, John Walsh started working with the Police Chiefs Association and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to develop a standard procedure to use when a child is missing. You can visit for valuable information regarding missing and exploited children.

6. Code Adam and Amber Alert
The Code Adam Alert is similar to, but not the same as an Amber Alert. A Code Adam alert is issued by ACPL in the event that a staff member has been advised a child has been missing for several minutes, and calls Security.
An Amber Alert is issued at the discretion of state and county law enforcement after library staff have called 911 and gotten law enforcement involved in the search.

7. Missing child & code adam
ACPL Procedures

8. Missing Child & Code Adam
The procedure for dealing with a missing child situation is described in the Category 8 section of your Emergency Action Plan notebook. Click one of the pages to go to the Emergency Action Plan on Insite. Print the pages (23-25) for your reference.

9. Missing child & code adam
Level 1

10. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert: Level 1
If a parent or guardian comes to you and says they have lost their child, Level I begins. If a parent or guardian says they have already searched for several minutes, it is important to begin the Level 1 search procedure immediately.
Level 1 takes place in the first 10 minutes

11. Begin Searching
Start your department or branch search clockwise from the place that the child was last seen. Assign a staff member to watch all the exits and entrances.

12. Main Library: Call Security x3333
At the Main Library, when fellow staff members begin searching for the child, another staff member should call the Security Center at extension 3333.
The Security Center will dispatch Properties staff and Security to cover primary entrances and exits while security cameras focus on secondary exits, stairs, café, plaza and parking areas.
Main Library: Call Security x3333

13. Fill out Child Description form
Use the Child Description and Vital Information form to note all important information regarding the missing child. This form is located on the last page in the Category 8 section of your emergency action plan notebook. Click on the page to view and print it on Insite.
If the person who reports the child missing has a photo of the child, make a copy of it to attach to the form. Many people have pictures on their phones, so ask them to send it to you via text message or so that you can print it out. Keep a digital copy in case you are asked to it to authorities.

14. Missing child & code adam
Level 2

15. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert Level 2
If the child has not been found within the first 10 minutes, Level 2 begins.

16. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert Level 2
Main Library
Branch Library
At the Main Library, Security staff will call 911 to get police involved.
Branch staff should call 911 at this time.

17. Missing Children & Code Adam Alert Level 2
“May we have your attention please? May we have your attention please? We have a Code Adam alert. We are looking for a child (give description). Persons with information on the whereabouts of this child are asked to notify security or library staff immediately. Departments with information should call 3333.”
At the Main Library, an announcement will be made over the public address system. In a branch, staff must verbally make this announcement to patrons.

18. Missing child & code adam
Child is Located

19. Child Found
If the child is found you should escort the child to the children's department or if in a branch location, use a private area, such as an office or meeting room, so that the child can be consoled until they are reunited with their parent or guardian.

20. Child with Other Adult
If the child is found accompanied by someone other than the parent or guardian:
Use reasonable efforts to delay the departure of the adult accompanying the child but do not put yourself, the staff or other patrons at risk.
If the individual flees, try to obtain a description, direction of travel, vehicle description, license plate number. Put this information on the Child Description and Vital Information Form for police.

21. Developmentally Disabled Adults
Keep in mind that we should use this same procedure for developmentally disabled adults.

22. Missing child & code adam
After the Missing Child Incident

23. After the Incident After the incident: Allow time to decompress.
Compile notes and prepare an incident report.
Allow time for all who were involved to meet and discuss what went well and what could or should be improved upon in the missing person plan.
Managers should follow up with their coworkers to see how they are doing. This incident can be extremely stressful. Be prepared to offer the employee assistance program.

24. Questions?
Information for all safety training has been provided by John Hidy, Security Services Manager, Allen County Public Library.
For more information or if you have questions, contact John Hidy, x1281or

25. To finish your safety training, please complete the quiz.