Regina B. Schofield, Assistant Attorney General
Office of Justice Programs
National Missing Children’s Day 12th Annual Congressional Breakfast
Washington, DC
May 9, 2007
Thank, you, Ernie.
It’s a pleasure to join all of you today in honoring these professionals who have worked tirelessly and courageously on behalf of our nation’s children.
As the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs, and as the National AMBER Alert Coordinator, I have worked closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers to protect the young people of our country.
Almost every day, I hear about the extraordinary work that law enforcement officers are doing to protect our communities. Their dedication and professionalism mean so much when I know that children are involved. In my view, the standard is higher, and the men and women we honor today have risen to that standard. To them, I want to say “thank you.”
Protecting children is vital to our mission at the Office of Justice Programs and the Department of Justice. Through initiatives like AMBER Alert and Project Safe Childhood, we are strengthening and expanding our public safety network on behalf of children.
Last night, Attorney General Gonzales announced the release of proposed guidelines on implementation of the sex offender registration and notification provisions of the Adam Walsh Act. As you know, the Walsh Act gives us important new tools for protecting young people against predators. The guidelines are integral to the work of our SMART Office in upholding both the letter and the spirit of that law. They’re posted on our Web site for public comment. I encourage you to take a look and give us your feedback.
I am also pleased to show you the latest public service announcement aimed at raising awareness of online sexual exploitation. The PSA was produced by the Ad Council in partnership with the Department of Justice and NCMEC, and it’s part of the public awareness component of Project Safe Childhood. It’s called “Everyone Knows Your Name,” and it’s designed to help young people make wise decisions when using the Internet. I’ll let the PSA do the rest of the talking. Thank you.
