WASHINGTON, DC --- U.S. Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-AL), co-chairman and founder of the Senate Caucus on Missing, Exploited and Runaway Children, joined National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) President and CEO Ernie Allen in urging all Alabamians to assist in the search for children who are missing or displaced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. NCMEC is also assisting children who are attempting to locate their parents or guardians following this tragic event.

Senator Shelby said, “As of today, there are 32 cases of Alabama children who are missing or displaced related to Hurricane Katrina. I encourage all Alabamians and the media to work together to search for these children. Losing a child is a terrible experience for any parent, and NCMEC’s efforts to distribute photos and detailed information about missing children is integral to their safe return. But, NCMEC cannot do it alone. It requires a cooperative effort and each of us must participate. It is important to keep a watchful eye for anyone who meets the descriptions of children that they may hear about on local television or radio. Alabamians can also log onto NCMEC’s website at www.missingkids.com to obtain information and photographs for missing or displaced children. Together, we can work to reunite each child with their family.”

“We are grateful for Senator Shelby’s efforts to reunite Alabama’s families,” said Ernie Allen. “With the help of the people of Alabama, as well as the media, we’re confident that the many cases that remain will be resolved soon. We urge everyone to visit www.missingkids.com and notify us immediately if they have information about the Katrina victims shown there.”

To contact NCMEC to report a missing child or a citing of one of the children currently posted on their website, please call their Katrina Missing Persons Hotline at 1-888-544-5475 or 1-800-THE-LOST. Also, please visit their website at www.missingkids.com, where you can download a current list of all children who are missing or displaced as a result of the hurricane.

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