FDLE, Missing Endangered Person Information Clearinghouse

*Information center for missing endangered persons in Florida; searchable online database for persons reported missing available on FDLE web site *To report a missing person, contact local law enforcement agency first, then call MEPIC; can explain options and procedures for reporting a missing person to law enforcement; can assist in that process when needed *Issues AMBER Alerts, Missing Child Alerts, Purple Alerts, and Silver Alerts in Florida where the clearinghouse accepts: 1) missing child 17 years of age or younger; 2) missing adult between 18-25; 3) missing adult 26 years of age or older suspected by law enforcement of being endangered or victim of criminal activity 4) missing adult 59 or older with dementia for Silver Alerts 5) missing adults suffering from a mental or cognitive disability, an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; a brain injury; other physical, mental or emotional disabilities for Purple Alerts *Works with national and international agencies when individual is believed to be in Florida

Services: Missing Persons Location Assistance

Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Hotline

*Start a file online as the first step to report an Identity Theft (www.

Services: Consumer Fraud Reporting, Identity Theft Prevention

Florida Association of Crime Stoppers (FACS)

*Statewide anonymous tip line for crimes *Users can type **TIPS (**8477) in their cellphones and automatically be routed to the closest Crime Stoppers office

Services: Community Crime Prevention Programs

Florida Baptist Children's Home, Tallahassee

*Residential care for school age children through age 18; foster care placement for ages birth to 18; and adoption services including counseling and placement *Other locations in addition to Tallahassee: Pensacola, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Leesburg, Fort Myers and Miami

Services: Adoption Information/Referrals, Foster Home Placement, Group Homes for Dependent Children, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services

*State's clearinghouse for consumer information, complaints, and protection *Operates toll-free hotline for consumers to obtain information, get help with specific problems, request forms to file a written complaint, and report fraudulent practices *Web page provides educational information to both public and businesses and on-line complaint filing *Responsible for regulatory laws: concealed weapon license, identity theft, charitable organizations, energy improvement, professional surveyors and mappers, sweepstakes/game promotions, health studios, intrastate movers, auto repair shops, Florida Do Not Call List, Sweepstakes/game promotions, pawnbrokers, sellers of travel, tele-marketers, fair rides, LP gas, and standards *Speakers available to civic groups and organizations to provide educational information

Services: Charities/Grantmaking Organizations, Consumer Complaints, Consumer Education, Consumer Fraud Reporting, Records/Licenses/Permits

Florida National Guard, Youth ChalleNGe Academy

*Program for male and female teens, age 16-18, who are behind in school credits, dropouts or expellees who have no felony convictions *5 1/2 month residential phase: Takes place in a highly disciplined and motivational environment promoting structure and academics along with leadership, health, community service, life skills, job skills, physical fitness and citizenship *Post residential phase of one year: uses learned skillls through placement in a job, further education or the military *Matched with a mentor to guide him/her through both phases *Eligibility:16-18 years old, citizen or legal resident of US, Florida resident, no felony convictions or open charges; CAN be on probation *Free of illegal drugs, physically and mentally capable of completing the program *Program start every 6 months in January and July *Space is limited; apply early

Services: Dropout Programs, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Residential Mental Health Treatment Facilities, Supervised Living for Older Youth, Youth Enrichment Programs

Florida Network of Youth and Family Services

*Statewide agency provides information and referrals for both children/teens (6-17) and/or parents who are in crisis; agency does NOT provide direct services to callers *Serves as information and referral resource for CINS/FINS (Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services) and other agencies for families with a child persistently beyond the reasonable and lawful control of parents or guardians *Refers homeless, runaway, truant and at risk youth to shelters, respite care, and other helping agencies *Website has important information related to parents and youth in crisis: Parent Options (legal and otherwise) for ungovernable children, and legal rights for youth *Advocates for agencies who serve troubled youth providing training, quality improvement, contract management, data collection, research, and advocacy

Services: Family Preservation Programs, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, Parenting Skills Classes, Runaway/Homeless Youth Counseling, Runaway/Homeless Youth Helplines, Truancy Counseling

Florida Office of the Attorney General, Victim Services

*Advocates for crime victims and victim's rights *Administers Crimes Compensation Fund providing financial assistance to victims of violent crimes *Injured crime victims may be eligible for financial assistance for medical care, lost income, mental health services, funeral expenses, relocation, property loss, and other out-of pocket expenses directly related to injury *Notifies victims of status of any appellate decisions regarding their cases *Address Confidentiality Program: victims of domestic violence and stalking given an address designated by the Attorney General as substitute mailing address for use in creation of state and local government records; program acts as agent to sign for all legal documents and forwards mail first class; all state and local governmental entities required to accept substitute address as participant's actual residential, work, and school address if requested

Services: Crime Victim Support

Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators System

*Public information available about sexual predators and sexual offenders living in communities around the state *Toll-free number and online searchable database available at https://offender.

Services: Offender Registries/Community Notification

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc

*Residential facilities for abused, neglected, or emotionally troubled children, ages 8-18, meeting criteria *Public schooling or alternative educational program available *Four residential centers: Live Oak (boys), Bartow (girls), Safety Harbor (boys and girls), Youth Ranch, Bradenton/Sarasota *Two summer camps for boys and girls ages 10-15 in Barberville, Inglis *Call toll-free number for information and to be transferred to any location

Services: Camps, Group Homes for Dependent Children, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention