Alberto Gonzales – AMBER Advocate

When an AMBER Alert goes out everyone's focus is centered on the missing child. The victim's siblings are often forgotten. A new guide “What About Me? Coping With the Abduction of a Brother or Sister” will help people remember the other victims of an abduction. The U.S. Department of Justice released the guide at the 2007 Missing Children's Day ceremony.

“We know it will hit the mark because it was written by kids who have already suffered this way,” said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. “They know what it feels like. They know the emotions that well up. They know the questions that need to be answered.”

The guide explains what to expect from law enforcement, the media, school and work and how to adapt to “A New Normal”—because nothing will ever be exactly the same again after a brother or sister is kidnapped. It also has a list of where to find more help, puzzles and places to write or draw.

A message is included from the brother and two sisters of kidnapping survivor Tamara Brooks. “What you feel is valid and important; please don't let anyone tell you otherwise,” wrote Ericka, Marcus and Robin. “Remember these things: take care of yourself, find someone you can talk to. And remember you are not alone.”

National AMBER Alert Coordinator Regina B. Schofield wrote the preface for the guide and offered the opening comments in the video. “I hope that you know that people care, that you'll have resources at your fingertips. We care that you'll be able to put back pieces of your life, knowing that one piece will always be missing.”

Both the guide and the video rely on the words and emotions of siblings who lived through the abduction of a brother or sister. The interviews are touching and sometimes raw. Nearly everyone at the initial screening was moved to tears. Here is a sample of some of the comments:

“I think the most difficult part for me was I could see people feeling sorry for me, and I didn't want them to. It's very hard to have somebody look at you and not know what to say. Just try to be really strong.” — Amy

“Even though the attention is focused on your brother or sister, you are still an individual, you have feelings and you have a right to feel those feelings. And that is okay. You're not the only one who's feeling them, and there are people out there who will be willing to listen.” — Erika

“You just have to wake up and realize you just have no choice but to be okay. You can't do anything else. At least that's how I kind of live my life. I don't have any other option but to be okay.” — Carmen

The guide and video were produced by the U.S. Department of Justice and are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. Find the guide at https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/ojjdp/files/media/document/217714.pdf.

Regina B. Schofield standing next to abduction survivor Tamara Brooks. — Regina B. Schofield (left) National AMBER Alert Coordinator, Assistant Attorney General/Office of Justice Programs, and Tamara Brooks, abduction survivor

Though she is young, Tamara Brooks took the stage with the poise of a seasoned politician. The California college student was in Washington D.C. for the 2007 National Missing Children's Day ceremony. Five years earlier, she and a high school friend learned firsthand what it was like to be missing—both were kidnapped at gunpoint.

“Emotions were laced with terror as the reality of death went through our minds,” she said. “We were not ready to die. Instead of giving up, we fought back with the same courage and strength embodying all those who tirelessly dedicate their lives to the eradication and prevention of missing children.”

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales speaking at a podium. — U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales

Child abduction victims and family members shared the stage with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales as he honored people who have dedicated their lives to recovering missing children. “Your work truly is God's work. Every faith I know of holds childhood to be precious and regards attacks on innocence to be evil. Thank you for being there when our kids are hurting.”

Few celebrations have so many tears. Nearly everyone in the audience wiped their eyes after watching the video that accompanies a new guide called “What About Me? Coping with the Abduction of a Brother or Sister.”

“Words pay no debts.” National AMBER Alert Coordinator Regina B. Schofield said, quoting Shakespeare to express her gratitude to the people who have made outstanding contributions to the AMBER Alert program. “We owe these people our gratitude. In one way or another these people have performed a great service on behalf of our nation's children,” she added.

Acting Associate Attorney General William Mercer also helped hand out a total of 17 awards made to a broadcaster, an AMBER Alert coordinator, a clearinghouse coordinator, law enforcement officers and ordinary citizens who did extraordinary things for missing children. “We're proud of the work we're doing but the foundation is people like you,” said Mercer.

The honors were highlighted by a heartfelt thanks from Tamara Brooks on behalf of all victims. “These people are guardian angels who give hope to those who fall prey to those who take children. Without you these children wouldn't stand a chance. Without you I wouldn't be standing here to thank you.”

Missing Children's Day fact: On May 17, 2007, the Department of Justice released proposed guidelines for the implementation of the Adam Walsh Act. The proposed guidelines describe when, how and how often sex offenders will register information like their e-mail and instant messaging addresses.

Clay Moore holding his AMBER Alert Courage Award plaque on stage — Clay Moore accepts an award for his courage after being abducted at gunpoint at a school bus stop, and then gagged and bound with duct tape to a tree in a secluded area. He broke free with a safety pin and eventually helped investigators identify his abductor.

Attorney General's Special Commendation Award: Detective Christopher Armstrong, Sgt. Misty Cedrun and Special Agent Aaron Meeks with the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for identifying and arresting a 54-year-old respiratory therapist who admitted to molesting children in the convalescent ward of a hospital.

AMBER Alert Citizen Award: The McArdle family of Asheville, North Carolina for noticing AMBER Alert signs while returning from a trip to Florida and helping deputies rescue two kidnap victims, a 16-year-old mother and her two-year-old son.

AMBER Alert Courage Award: Clay Moore for his courage after being abducted at gunpoint at a school bus stop, and then gagged and bound with duct tape to a tree in a secluded area. He broke free with a safety pin and eventually helped investigators identify his abductor.

AMBER Alert Coordinator Award: Paul Murphy with the Utah Attorney General's Office for being the driving force behind the state's child abduction response plan and developing the Endangered Person Advisory for missing people who do not qualify for an AMBER Alert.

National Missing Children's Day Art Contest Winner: The poster created by Elyria, Ohio, fifth grader Rachel Stevenson was selected from hundreds of entries to be displayed at the Department of Justice ceremony. Her art will be featured in missing children-related publications and at conferences throughout the year.

Law Enforcement Award: Lubbock County Sheriff David Gutierrez and Captain Antonio Menchaca for their perseverance in retrieving the remains of Joanna Rogers from a landfill, a 16-year-old girl who was savagely slain and discarded in a dumpster.

AMBER Alert Media Award: Nevada AMBER Alert Coordinator and State Broadcasting Assn. President Robert Fisher for developing Nevada's AMBER Alert plan and passionately promoting the cause of missing and abducted children with broadcasters throughout the country.

AMBER Alert Transportation Award: Todd Kramasz of the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation on his own initiative reactivated the AMBER Alert on highway signs during rush hour. A driver saw the signs and police were able to safely recover the kidnapped child.

Missing Children State Clearinghouse Coordinator Award: Wisconsin Clearinghouse Coordinator Susan Whitehorse for providing missing and exploited children training in tribal communities and starting the first conferences to tackle crimes against children in Indian Country.

AMBER Alert Law Enforcement Award: Arlington, Texas Sgt. Mark Simpson was the original investigator on the Amber Hagerman homicide investigation and helped initiate the AMBER Alert Plan and raise awareness about abducted children throughout the country.

Missing Child Non-Profit Organization Award: Nevada Child Seekers Executive Director Stephanie Parker for providing case management, abduction prevention education and other services on behalf of missing and abducted children since 1985.

2007 Award Winners