When a teenager goes missing, every second counts. While no parent wants to imagine this scenario,

being aware of the tools and resources available can make all the difference. We sat down with Joseph A. Travers, founder of Saved In America, a nonprofit organization of licensed investigators, to learn from his firsthand experience in locating missing teens. As Travers put it, “Our goal is to step in when time is of the essence. Families need action, not waiting.”

Since 2014, Saved In America has assisted in over 279 missing persons cases across the country, with many heartwarming success stories. Travers emphasizes, “We’re not here to replace law enforcement; we’re here to fill the gaps and provide the kind of assistance families need to bring their children home.” Through their dedicated work, Saved In America continues offering families hope and the practical support needed to bring their children home safely.

Organizations like Saved In America and tools such as My Family ID offer critical support for the moments that matter most. By staying informed, connecting with resources, and planning ahead, families can give their children the advantage of faster, coordinated efforts if they ever need help. 

Law Enforcement Support For Missing Teen Recovery

With the mission hashtagged as #ChildSavedNotSold, Saved In America emphasizes the urgent need to locate children before they are exploited. According to Travers, “The clock is ticking from the moment a child goes missing.” He explains, “Time lost can be devastating. For every hour we wait, the risk increases. That’s why we’re built to act immediately.”

Their team often steps in when local law enforcement can’t fully investigate, particularly if the teen is classified as a “runaway” rather than abducted. This distinction can delay the search process, sometimes leaving families waiting for months. Travers shares, “In cases where the child is labeled a runaway, parents often feel helpless because the resources they expect from law enforcement aren’t immediately available. That’s where we come in, to get the ball rolling.”

In the United States, many missing teens are classified as “runaways,” which can limit the immediate resources dedicated to their recovery. As Travers points out, “Unless there is evidence of abduction or a medical emergency, parents can be left with more questions than answers in those critical early moments.” Saved In America bridges this gap by gathering evidence and starting the search process right away.

“We focus on silent surveillance, evidence gathering, and locating the child. We don’t go in kicking down doors,” Travers said. “Our approach is about creating a pathway for law enforcement to act quickly and effectively.” The organization operates within strict ethical guidelines, leveraging retired Navy SEALs, military special operators, and law enforcement to provide a professional approach to recovery.

Leveraging Technology to Assist in Search and Recovery

A key factor in Saved In America’s effectiveness is its use of technology. Travers’s team uses advanced data analysis techniques and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to trace digital footprints, social media interactions, and other data points that can reveal a missing child’s location. He explains, “The internet and mobile devices create trails of evidence. We’ve built a system to track these interactions and create connections.”

Saved In America’s human intelligence and OSINT team follows these digital trails, tracing contacts and interactions in the days leading up to a child’s disappearance. This level of technological sophistication allows Saved In America to create “a roadmap” that law enforcement can use to help locate the child; Travers explains, “This process highlights how essential it is to have access to an updated record of identification data.” 

Related Article: The Top Identity Scan App for Families

Quick Access to Identification Details: How Families Can Prepare

Beyond recovery, Saved In America emphasizes the importance of preventative measures and parental awareness. For families, taking proactive measures to ensure their child’s critical information is accessible and secure can save lives. Travers emphasizes that families should have recent photos, social media account details, and emergency contacts easily accessible. 

“Families often overlook how much this information matters in those first hours,” Travers says, adding, “These details can help law enforcement act swiftly and improve the chances of a safe return.” For families, ensuring their child’s critical information is accessible and secure can be a lifeline in those crucial early moments.

Tools like My Family ID, a secure platform for storing and quickly accessing identification data, offer families a way to prepare for the unexpected. By storing biometric information, recent photos, and a contact list, families can provide law enforcement with the immediate information necessary to streamline an investigation.

“Any resource that gives families a head start, especially in those critical first hours, is invaluable.”
- Joseph A. Travers, Founder, Saved In America

Collaboration and Community Support in Preventing Exploitation

As Travers underscores, the harsh reality is that many missing teens are at risk of exploitation. According to studies cited by Saved In America, about 30% of runaway teens face exploitation if not found quickly. This stresses the crucial role of community involvement, preparation, and awareness in preventing these situations. Saved In America urges families, schools, and local organizations to raise awareness about the dangers that teens face, particularly through social media and online interactions.

Saved In America’s approach is a blend of action and education, with a focus on equipping parents with information and resources that help prevent potential exploitation before it happens. Travers explains, “The biggest goal is to stop exploitation before it starts. Awareness, preparation, and community support make a huge difference.”

How You Can Get Involved

Travers’s insights reveal that when it comes to missing teens, early action is key. Saved In America shows how a combination of technological expertise, preparation, and community support can improve the chances of a safe return. Here are some other ways to get involved and help reduce the amount of children that go missing each year.

Partner With My Family ID

By partnering with organizations nationwide, My Family ID empowers communities to protect their most vulnerable members. Through these partnerships, nonprofits can offer My Family ID significant savings to the people they serve. Additionally, a portion of each download fee is returned to the organization as a donation, which can be reinvested in vital educational and safety programs. This collaboration enables nonprofits to equip families with cutting-edge identification technology while supporting their own mission to keep communities safe. Visit our Partnership Page to learn more.

Download the My Family ID App

Download My Family ID to securely store your child’s vital information so it’s ready when every moment matters.

Volunteer Opportunities

Saved In America has various programs that allow community members to help in ways that suit their abilities and availability. Learn about the certified programs they offer to train volunteers and advocates. By supporting this organization, you contribute to its mission of providing resources, recovery, and restoration for missing and exploited children across the country.

For more information on Saved in America and their life-saving work, visit their official website.