Understanding the Child Search Network
Most Canadians are familiar with AMBER Alerts, the emergency alert system activated by police when a child under the age of 18 is believed to have been abducted and is in imminent danger. AMBER Alerts are sent through the National Public Alerting System to mobile phones, broadcast media, social media, and electronic highway signs. Because of the strict activation criteria required, AMBER Alerts are used sparingly across Canada.
However, many missing children cases still require urgent public awareness and community assistance, even when they do not meet AMBER Alert criteria.
The Child Search Network helps close that gap.
Thanks to technology, innovation, and digital reach, the Child Search Network allows police departments across Canada to rapidly share verified missing children information with communities whose eyes, ears, and voices may be critical to the search for a missing child.
The Child Search Network is a communication and public awareness system that includes MCSC Rescu, SMS alerts, social media amplification, and other digital communication channels designed to support police investigations and community response efforts.
One of the key elements of the network is MCSC Rescu, an easy-to-use application created for MCSC by Esri Canada and populated, in part, with information on missing children cases through technology developed by Microsoft.
People can access MCSC Rescu on their phones and other devices by visiting https://rescu.mcsc.ca, where they can view continuously updated information from police on missing children cases in Canada. Active cases are divided by region, and tips can be submitted directly through each case page.
Users are also encouraged to share verified case information through text, email, and social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Rescu users can also register to receive SMS alerts on cases police deem critical, but that do not meet the specific criteria required for an AMBER Alert.
As more people join the Child Search Network by accessing MCSC Rescu, signing up for SMS alerts, following MCSC on social media, and sharing verified case information with their networks, the reach and effectiveness of community awareness continues to grow.
Police services across Canada continue to emphasize that public awareness and community assistance are critical during missing children investigations. In many cases, one tip, one shared post, or one person recognizing a face, vehicle, or location may help bring a child home safely.
What is the difference between AMBER Alerts and Child Search Alerts?
When a child goes missing, police may use different types of public alerts depending on the circumstances and level of risk. Typically, there are two alert scenarios: the AMBER Alert, which is used sparingly, or the Child Search Alert, which is issued by police in partnership with Missing Children Society of Canada.
AMBER Alerts
An AMBER Alert is a rapid emergency child alert system activated by police when a child under the age of 18 is believed to have been abducted and is in imminent danger. AMBER Alerts are sent through the National Public Alerting System to mobile phones, broadcast media, social media, and electronic highway signs.
Alerts may include the name and description of the abducted child, who the child may be with, and descriptions of any vehicle suspected of being used in the abduction. AMBER Alerts are rarely issued, and criteria vary by province, but members of the public play a critical role when alerts are activated.
Child Search Alerts
A Child Search Alert is issued by police in partnership with Missing Children Society of Canada when public awareness may assist in the search for a missing child. Alerts are issued after investigators have defined the search perimeter and determined that community awareness may support the investigation.
Child Search Alerts are sent to people who have registered with MCSC Rescu to receive SMS alerts in their selected area. These alerts can be targeted to a smaller, more specific geographic area, such as a city, neighbourhood, or street.
“We believe that this program has the potential to improve traditional search and investigation methods and offer law enforcement resources which, given budget restraints, prove challenging for all agencies within the police community.” - Superintendent Cliff O’Brien, Calgary Police Service
MCSC’s Child Search Alerts include people connected through social media, digital marketers, traditional media, and online media. Alerts are assembled to support police and allow verified information to be shared with the public. All information distributed through the Child Search Network comes directly from police.