Investigation essential, says society's founder

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Education and prevention doesn't help the kids who aren't there to learn.

"I wanted to do something for the children already missing," said Rhonda Morgan, Founder and Chairman of the Missing Children Society of Canada.

Morgan was working with another agency, training to be an investigator, when she decided to found the organization eight years ago.

This society is different from other organizations, she explained, because most other agencies out there focus on education and prevention. The Missing Children Society conducts active searches and acts as a resource for law enforcement agencies.

"There was a need for an organization that would investigate."

The resources and expertise of their professional investigators are available free of charge to parents and police who are searching for abducted or runaway children under the age of 18.

Investigations may include accumulating information, interview of re-interviewing witnesses, or distributing photos.

"The most important thing is to gather as much information as you can, as soon as possible, before the trail goes cold. People forget. Things you would never expect them to forget, but they do."

It's important to get the information out as soon as possible.

By using the Pegasus Imaging Software system, as an information system donated by a number of corporate sponsors, the society is able to scan photos of the children, their suspected abductors if applicable, and any other relevant information. These files can be sent to border crossings, airports, police department and frontline agencies within 48 hours.

The society also has a team of emergency response personnel available which includes search and rescue teams, dog handlers and dive teams. They work closely with local, national, and international police agencies.

The success rate of the society is about 65 per cent.

"There's no other feeling like it, it's a really good feeling (to find a missing child)," she said. But investigating the cases can be a painstaking process. She describes it as "a whole lot of ups and down. A lot more down time when leads lead to dead ends."

It's important for parents to educate their kids so they know how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, and what to do if they find themselves in trouble.

"The best thing you can tell your kids is things that make them aware of the situation. There is a problem out there," she said. Parents should tell their kids to yell, scream, kick, and make as much of a ruckus as possible if someone does attempt an abduction.