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The RCMP's NMCS is the only Canadian missing children clearinghouse for information and assistance to police, non profit agencies and parents. It is also a national police service created to assist law enforcement agencies in the investigation, location and return of a missing child to their parent or legal guardian. The service is linked to all Canadian police and related agencies through CPIC, to United States police agencies through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and to most foreign police agencies in over 40 countries through Interpol.

The primary objective of NMCS is to locate, return and protect children. In 2004, NMCS assisted national and international police agencies with 530 missing children investigations, 106 fewer cases than in 2003. Parental abduction incidents comprised the most cases at 54%, while runaway incidents made up 23% of cases, findings somewhat consistent with the previous years.

National Missing Children Services has a two fold mandate.

1. Operations :
   
   NMCS is an investigative and operational support unit assisting Canadian agencies with their investigations. It co ordinates national and international investigations with law enforcement agencies by using its network of contacts. NMCS works cooperatively and collectively with municipal, regional, provincial and national law enforcement agencies as well as with other Canadian organizations.
   
   NMCS also provides computer age progression service, posts missing children photos on the Internet, and manages a Travel Program for parents with a financial need.
   
   Investigators liaise with missing children coordinators in each province, not for profit recognized searching agencies and international support networks.
   
   
   
2. Research and Program Development:
   
   Original studies are conducted to assist with investigations, to assist in the development of investigative response plans and to determine the nature and scope of missing children in Canada. A report on Canada's missing children is written and published yearly. The report is launched by a federal government official on May 25th - National Missing Children's Day.
   
   NMCS participates as a contributing partner at government and non government meetings and forums related to issues involving abducted and runaway children and youth. This year, NMCS participated in the following: the development of Canada's federal strategy on trafficking of Persons, including children, that is the Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking and its sub committees, Prevention and Awareness committee, Prosecution committee, and Research and Data Collection committee. Also, a NMCS representative attended regular meetings of the Committee Against the Commercial Exploitation of Children and Youth, and the International Social Service Working committee on International Child Abduction: Issues for Reform, Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Recommendation 13 implementation, as well as in-house committees.
   
   The NMCS researcher also reviews and gives feedback on prevention program proposals and publications related to missing children issues. Advice and guidance is provided to national and international university students in the development of papers, thesis and dissertations related to missing children issues. NMCS staff also submit articles on runaway children and child abduction to magazines, such as the RCMP"Gazette", and the RCMP's "A" Division magazine,"Information".
   
   NMCS has researched and developed brochures and pamphlets, including What to Do If Your Child Is Missing?, Safety In Cyberspace, and Keeping Children Safe .

Additionally, the Research and Development section responds to media and public inquiries for national statistical information, trend analysis, and research study findings. It also responds to interview requests from the media, and accepts invitations to speak at national and international conferences.

For more information regarding NMCS, please contact 1 877 318 3576.

National Missing Children Services Website.