Amber Alert system, Family court issues

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Electronic signs flash with an amber alert over Interstate 80 in Omaha, Neb.
Electronic signs flash with an amber alert over Interstate 80 in Omaha, Neb. Amber alerts are employed to alert the public when authorities believe a minor has been abducted. Nati Harnik/AP Photo

We learn more about the Amber Alert system and how it can be improved. Then, we talk to a child welfare advocate about the problems with the family court system.

Featured in this Show

  • Changes could be coming to Wisconsin's missing-child alert system

    This year marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Amber Alert program in Wisconsin. But in recent years, discussions have arisen about whether the criteria for the alerts might be too restrictive. We talk to a Wisconsin senator who is working to change the requirements for issuing an Amber Alert, or introduce a new type of missing-child alert. Then, we talk to an administrator for the national Amber Alert program about how the alerts are used, how effective they are and what criteria each case must meet to be considered.

  • The case against family court

    The juvenile court system, now known as family court, was originally created to help children and families succeed in a changing society—but has it lived up to this promise? A child welfare advocate says family court has done more harm than good and argues that it should be abolished.

Episode Credits

  • Dean Knetter Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Beatrice Lawrence Producer
  • Richelle Wilson Producer
  • Sen. LaTonya Johnson Guest
  • Janell Rasmussen Guest
  • Jane M. Spinak Guest

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