Child Abduction Alert Launched in Australia — The Queensland (Australia) Police started the Child Abduction Alert system to notify the public about suspected child abductions. The program began December 29, 2010, and initially involved only radio stations, but will be expanded to include television, taxi companies, buses, lotto agents, and transportation. The alert uses the same criteria as the U.S. AMBER Alert plan.

Malaysia Begins Alert System for Missing Children — The abduction and murder of an 8-year-old girl four years ago prompted Malaysia to create the NUR (Nationwide Urgent Response) Alert for missing children. The plan began in January 2011 and is patterned after the U.S. AMBER Alert system. The alerts will be distributed to broadcasters, government agencies, banks, hotels, and transportation agencies within 24 hours after a child younger than 12 years old has been reported missing.

Saipan to Start AMBER Alert Program — The western Pacific island of Saipan will soon have an AMBER Alert program. Saipan is the largest of 15 islands that are part of the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Gov. Benigno R. Fital announced the plan on May 31, 2011, six days after two sisters, ages 9 and 10, were reported missing.

Belgium Starts Child Alert Plan — Belgium launched the Child Alert system in February for children who have disappeared and are in a life-threatening situation. The alerts will go to road signs, radio and television stations, mobile telephone providers, Internet service providers, electronic billboards, and company networks. The alerts will remain active for six hours but can be renewed to be active for as long as 24 hours. Belgium became the focus of international attention after a 3-year-old British girl went missing in 2007. The parents of Madeleine McCann immediately called for Belgium and all European countries to start a system similar to the U.S. AMBER Alert program.