There is currently no comprehensive plan for providing AMBER Alert Communications Plans to Native American communities. As a result, the majority of Native Children do not enjoy the same protection and access to critical resources in the aftermath of an abduction as children in non-Native communities.
The DOJ ran  a pilot program that offered AMBER Alert training services to Native American tribes in 2008, but only 10 tribes were given funds to create their own AMBER Alert programs. The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017 would make that initiative permanent and enhance DOJ oversight of how the grants are used.  The legislation would also reauthorize the DOJ grant program that assists state and local governments in developing and implementing AMBER Alert communication plans. These communication plans are used by law enforcement agencies to expedite child abduction alerts to the public. The bill would also require the DOJ to perform a needs-assessment of AMBER Alert capabilities on Indian reservations.

We the undersigned are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to support the passage of SB 772 The AMBER Alert in
Indian Country Act of 2017 and help protect Native children.