Tech for Good: 25 Years of the ADAM Program Helping Locate Missing Children

NEW YORK, NY – November 20, 2025

A Legacy of Collaboration

The ADAM Program, a groundbreaking initiative that rapidly distributes vital information about missing children to law enforcement and the public, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Born from a unique partnership between LexisNexis Risk Solutions and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the program has evolved from a pioneering alert system into a technologically advanced platform now bolstered by an AI-powered interactive dashboard. For a quarter of a century, ADAM has served as a crucial bridge between communities and those dedicated to bringing missing children home.

Initially conceived as a way to quickly disseminate photos and details of missing children beyond traditional broadcast methods, the program’s success is rooted in its expansive network. Alerts are sent to a broad range of recipients, including law enforcement agencies, news outlets, schools, medical centers, and registered individuals. This comprehensive reach dramatically increases the chances of someone recognizing a missing child and reporting it to authorities. “The power of this program isn't just in the technology, but in the collective vigilance it fosters within communities,” stated one law enforcement official involved with the program.

From Posters to Predictive Technology

The ADAM Program’s evolution hasn’t been static. While the initial focus was on rapidly distributing physical posters with photos, the program has continually embraced technological advancements. Over the years, it integrated digital platforms, email alerts, and automated distribution systems. The recent launch of the interactive dashboard marks a significant leap forward, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance search capabilities and expand public engagement.

The dashboard allows users to search for active missing child cases by location, filtering alerts based on specific criteria. This provides a hyper-localized view, empowering individuals to actively participate in recovery efforts within their own communities. The integration of AI is aimed at improving the accuracy and speed of matching potential sightings with active cases, potentially accelerating the resolution process. While the specific algorithms powering the dashboard remain proprietary, it is designed to provide more relevant results to those participating in the search. The program’s creators emphasize that the dashboard isn't meant to replace traditional law enforcement investigations but rather to augment them by providing an additional layer of public support.

Beyond the Technology: A Human Story

The success of the ADAM Program is ultimately measured not in lines of code or technological innovation, but in the lives of families reunited with their missing children. Stories abound of quick recoveries directly attributed to the program’s alerts, and it’s these human stories that drive the continued commitment of LexisNexis Risk Solutions and NCMEC. One parent shared that an alert from the ADAM Program was the key to bringing her children home. “I will forever be grateful for the ADAM Program,” she stated.

The program's impact extends beyond simply locating missing children. It provides hope and reassurance to families facing the unimaginable anguish of a child's disappearance. “This isn’t just about finding a child, it's about giving a family their life back,” noted a social worker who frequently works with families of missing children.

A Unique Model in Public-Private Collaboration

The ADAM Program stands out as a successful example of how public and private sectors can effectively collaborate to address critical social issues. LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides the technological infrastructure, data analytics expertise, and ongoing maintenance, while NCMEC provides the investigative expertise, case management, and direct support to families and law enforcement.

This partnership model has allowed the program to remain agile and responsive to evolving needs, continuously adapting its technology and strategies to maximize its impact. It also showcases the power of corporate social responsibility, demonstrating how businesses can leverage their resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the world. The program also relies on the vigilance of everyday citizens and the vast network that the program has created over the years, which extends its reach beyond any single entity.

It isn’t the only organization addressing this critical need. NCMEC’s broader efforts, including the AMBER Alert system and direct assistance programs, complement the ADAM Program’s specific focus on rapid alert distribution. This collaborative ecosystem ensures a comprehensive approach to protecting children and bringing them home. The ADAM Program’s founders envision a future where technology continues to play an increasingly important role in child safety, and they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to achieve that vision.