INDIANA — The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2019 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. It also serves as a reminder to continue efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones. It also serves as an occasion to honor those that are dedicated to this very noble cause. The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents and guardians to discuss and promote child safety.

The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition. The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, along with the state manager, will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. DOJ’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

Listed are some important facts about the contest:

• There is no limit on the number of posters a school can submit.
• Only one poster per student is allowed for submission.
• Students who submit posters must be in the fifth grade.
• Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” This phrase must appear somewhere on the poster.
• The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping will not be eligible for consideration.
• The finished poster must measure 8 1/2 by 14 inches.
• The poster must be submitted with a completed application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
• All poster contest rules can be found here.
• Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by state manager Torie Harris is Feb. 1, 2019.

To learn more about the National Missing Children’s Day Poster contest, click here.

If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 911. It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child. For more safety and prevention tips, click here.