For over 40 years, Find the Children has been a guiding force in child safety, working to prevent abductions and reunite families. Founded in 1983 by the late television producer Linda Otto, the organization has grown from a small group of concerned advocates into a significant resource for families, schools, and law enforcement. Their mission has always been clear: protect children through education, community involvement, and action.

We spoke with Rora Jones, Executive Director of Find the Children, about the organization’s evolving role and what steps families can take to stay prepared.

Prevention Through Education

“Child abduction is a crime of opportunity,” Rora explained. “But if we’re prepared and doing what we need to do, it can be prevented.”

Find the Children focuses heavily on education as a first line of defense. Their live, in-person presentations across Los Angeles County teach children how to identify strangers, recognize common tricks, and understand the dangers of sharing information online.

“Our community outreach programs are tailored to different age groups,” Rora said. “We role-play with the kids so they can see what danger looks like in a safe environment, with their teachers and peers by their side.”

Recognizing that children are spending more time online than ever, Find the Children expanded their programming to include pre-K through eighth grade. “Kids as young as preschool are engaging with technology,” Rora noted. “We needed to adapt to make sure every age group understands how to stay safe.”

Raising Awareness Through Grassroots Efforts

Find the Children’s flyer distribution program is another cornerstone of their work. Volunteers post flyers across California and beyond, ensuring that missing children’s information reaches as many eyes as possible.

“When children are abducted, the abductors don’t usually stay in one place,” Rora said. “Having people distribute flyers across multiple states helps us cover more ground.”

Over the years, Find the Children has refined its strategy to be as effective as possible. Flyers are now placed in discreet locations, like employee break rooms or behind counters, where they’re visible to those who can help but not to abductors. “If abductors see a flyer, they’ll often keep moving,” Rora explained. “We’ve learned how to share information without tipping them off.”

Technology’s Role in Child Safety

As technology continues to develop, it’s becoming a key component in both prevention and recovery. “Parents need to have recent images, details, and other important documents ready at all times,” Rora emphasized. “The last thing you want to do in a crisis is search for those items.”

My Family ID simplifies this process by securely storing biometric facial scans, fingerprints, and updated photos in one place. “Technology like this will save lives,” Rora said. “Anything that speeds up the response time is an invaluable resource.”

Find the Children has also integrated technology into their operations by having an electronic database of missing children, and using encrypted email blasts to share urgent cases with law enforcement. “It used to take days to mail packets of photos and documents,” Rora explained. “Now, it’s instantaneous, and that speed can mean the difference between finding a child quickly or not.”

Related Article: The App That Helps The Search For Missing Kids

Fast Action in Times of Crisis

When a child goes missing, every minute counts. Find the Children emphasizes the need for swift action, starting with a call to law enforcement. “Time is critical,” Rora explained. “The first thing we recommend is filing a police report immediately. That’s how cases get assigned to specialized units like the Child Abduction Unit, which can begin investigating without delay.”

Rora highlighted that preparedness plays a significant role in making these efforts more efficient. “It’s heartbreaking when families lose precious time searching for paperwork during a crisis. Quick response, supported by preparation and technology, can make all the difference when it comes to reuniting families and helping children heal.”

“Being prepared isn’t just about having the information; it’s about making sure it’s usable in the moment it’s needed.”
- Rora Jones, Executive Director, Find the Children

Empowering Families to Keep Informed

One of the biggest challenges today, Rora pointed out, is keeping families educated about online safety. “Parents need to talk to their kids regularly,” she said. “Remind them that if they can’t see the person they’re talking to, they don’t know who it is. Even in games, if someone is asking too many personal questions, it’s time to disconnect.”

Rora also encourages parents to stay engaged with their children’s online activities. “Ask your kids to teach you about the latest trends,” she advised. “If you’re not staying informed, the people trying to harm your kids certainly are.”

How You Can Support Find the Children

The alignment between Find the Children and My Family ID is clear. Both organizations focus on equipping families with the tools and information they need to protect their loved ones.

For those looking to get involved, there are many ways to contribute to Find the Children’s mission:

• Learn More: Visit the Find the Children website to explore their programs and resources.

• Volunteer: Volunteer to be a part of the flyer distribution network or support their events.

• Donate: If you are able, donate to help expand programs, support families, and assist in recovery efforts.

• Spread Awareness: Share their safety tips and educational materials with your community.

You can also take proactive steps to protect your own family. Download the My Family ID app to securely store photos, fingerprints, and medical records. This ensures you have instant access to critical information when it’s needed most.

National organizations can now also partner with My Family ID to help raise awareness and get the same technology trusted by law enforcement agencies into the hands of parents everywhere.

By acting now, whether through preparedness, donating, or spreading awareness, you can help ensure children are located faster and brought home safely.