MYCHILD

IS MISSING

Internet Resources for Indiana

A Guide to Finding Your Missing Child Using the Technology at Your Fingertips

Documented and Prepared by Patty & Bob Begin

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It is important to note, if you are using this as an e-book, all underlined words are links for websites. Emailing and accessing websites is much faster if you are using this booklet on disk or

online. All web & email addresses were valid addresses at time of printing.

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Table of Contents

Foreword pg 4

Acknowledgements pg 5

Introduction pg 6

Causes and Warning Signs pg 7

Prevention pg 8

Before your Child Becomes Missing pg 9

The Goal is to BE PREPARED pg 10

The Situation: Your Child is Missing pg 11

Recommendations for an Area Search pg 15

The Effects pg 16

Police Departments of Indiana pg 17

Indiana Media pg 29

Shelters for Adolescents in Indiana pg 32

Mass Transit Lines of Indiana pg 35

The Recovery pg 41

The Aftermath pg 42

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Foreword

On January 23, 2003, our daughter (and another female patient) escaped from a locked psychiatric hospital. With help from police, family, friends, media, missing children organizations, and strangers we spent three long weeks distributing more than 15,000 flyers, and promoting media attention to “get their faces out there.” The hard work and dedication of so many brought a happy ending to our ordeal. It is our hope that no family ever needs to live the nightmare we endured. This is not the end however. We are currently living through the aftermath and taking notes as we go. Supports need to be put in place. That’s our next goal. This handbook is for the others that will someday unfortunately be walking the path we just left.

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Acknowledgements

Finding our daughter and creating this booklet would not have been achievable without the help of so many individuals and organizations. We owe a debt of gratitude to so many, it is not possible to include every name. But those who stand out in the crowd are our families, who supported us throughout the ordeal; most especially Nikki and Joe, Chris and Lois, Maureen and Gil who drove hundreds of miles in the search.

Andrea Watson from Parents for Residential Reform, without whose help we would never have been able to generate the media attention, not to mention handling the barrage of media in the aftermath. Cheryl Nardelli logged hundreds of hours on the Internet; what a “surfer.” We thank Trooper Keith Pantazelos of the Massachusetts State Police for his dedication to the case and understanding of family commitment. The hundreds of people who helped distribute flyers.

Our thanks to those who prayed then and still pray today for our family. Our gratitude to the people we met along the way during our search. They showed us that there is so much goodness in people and that they really do care. We give thanks to God for you and for all those who touched our life during this most frightening three weeks.

But most especially we owe our thanks to the alert individual who did exactly what we wanted. She saw the flyer, recognized the missing girls, notified the police, and essentially saved the life of our child.

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Introduction

There are four different situations under which missing children fall. They are lost, abducted, throwaways or have runaway. This book deals with runaways but some of its resources are applicable in all situations. One in seven children runaway; 75% are girls. The average age is 14-18 y/o, some as young as age ten.

The Biggest mistake that we as parents/ guardians can possibly make is to think for one second that, “this won’t happen to my family.” The second biggest mistake is to not be prepared for such a potential tragedy.

Most runaways are from ordinary, average middle class families. However, every family is at risk, no matter what monetary class you may fit into.

Once any child runs away, chances are they WILL fall victim to drug and alcohol abuse and exploitation. They fall victim to these life-threatening situations through the people they meet. Be very aware that there are people out there very willing to exploit and expose ANY child they feel or know is a runaway to drugs, alcohol, and sexual exploitation.

Because runaways need money to support new habits, the exploitation and prostitution option can easily overtake them. If the child is unfortunate enough to be recruited by a pimp it may not be possible for them to escape alive.

Some children will end up coming home on their own, but some do not and remain on the streets. Of these some do survive but tragically some are killed; others die from drugs, or disease. Be very aware there is a market for your child. Yes, it is unpleasant to think about, but there are many people just waiting for your child to “come to market.”

Special Note: Any child with special needs is at an increased risk of falling prey to these people and situations. They may not

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be able to make sound safe choices about the people they meet or to safely control situations to which they are exposed.

Major Causes, Warning Signs

Causes or “Why Would My Child Run?”

• To avoid an emotional situation• To escape from an unpleasant or difficult time• To escape the loss of privileges• To be with people they “think” are supportive• To get away from problems they feel they can’t cope with• Feelings of being a burden on the family• Has peers that have run away• Wants to help a peer who wants to run

Note: This list is not complete. Many more issues from low self-esteem to abuse are some additional causes

Warning Signs

• A word of caution if your child has a network of unsupervised peers with access to drugs or antisocial tendencies. Know your child’s friends.

• Increase in irrational behavior, impulsivity, emotionally abusive, threatens to run.

• Take notice if any of your child’s peers have run away previously

• High sustained anxiety level

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• Watch for radical changes in your child’s attitude, and peer groups• Threatens to runaway; this is no joke, take it very seriously

Prevention

• Never call your child names• Be honest. Do you understand what he/she is feeling? If not,

ask him/her to explain• It is important you understand your child, and okay if you

don’t agree• Keep the lines of communication open• Really listen to what your teen is saying• If you get overwhelmed during an argument tell your teen that

you need time to get yourself together• When your teen isn’t talking, ask him/her, “Do you feel you

need to tell me anything else?”• Even when your teen starts raising his/her voice, don’t raise

yours, and stay calm (This takes lots of practice and patience).• Never interrupt your teen when he/she is talking or trying to

explain his/her feelings (again, easier said than done).• Invest in a computer-monitoring program and tell your teen

he/she will be monitored for their safety.• Know who, what, where, and when. It’s not just for drugs. And

check out all the facts. Be vigilant in attaining this information, check in on them where ever they say they are

• Talk to all your teens peers and their parents• Know your child. Is he/she a leader or a follower

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Before your Child Becomes Missing

Yes. Your Search starts BEFORE your child is missing!

• The following information helped us so much to expedite the creation of flyers in order to get our child’s face “out there.” A few things we had to learn as we went. A major slow up was getting copies of her school picture. Since it is copyrighted, an official camera store would not let us make copies of the picture. This is vital to a case of missing child. We were lucky that a friend worked at a store where they have a Photo Maker. We pled our case and they let us make the copies. We made eight copies, which is plenty. Had we known this would be a problem, we would have already had a scanned picture of her on our computer.• If you don’t have a computer, get one and learn how to use it now. Make sure your computer has Internet capability and make sure you know how to fax and send emails with an attachment.• Own a digital camera with the ability to view and print pictures from your computer. Know how to use it before you ever have an emergency. Take pictures of your child regularly, to have them on hand in the event of an emergency.• A computer scanner is handy, each year after you get your child’s school photo, scan it into your computer, and then delete last year’s picture. This is vital. Missing child organizations say the best photo to use is a school photo.

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• If you already have a computer and your child uses it to access the Internet, a monitoring program is absolutely vital. We use a program called Big Brother; it records ALL activity on your computer. Warn your child that you are monitoring the use of the computer. Print out and save any disturbing actions in a locked file or safe, especially ALL phone numbers and addresses.

The Goal is to BE PREPARED

Have a recent photo of your child (preferably already on your computer) and prepare a missing persons flyer in .pdf format (cannot be altered and e-mail’s faster). Include height, weight, hair and eye color, clothes wearing when last seen, where last seen, any identifying features (glasses, braces, birthmarks, etc.)

Know all your child’s friends’ addresses phone numbers and screen names.

Know who, what, where, when and how. It isn’t only about drugs it’s about YOUR child and their safety.

Who are they with What are they doing exactly Where are they going When will they return home How can you get in touch with them at a moments notice Watch for changes in peer groups Know your child’s tendencies Enroll your child in the CHIP program. To learn more

contact the Safety Officer at your local police department or go to the following website: http://www.mychip.org. This is a program run by the Masons and it is free and helpful. This program is mostly for children who get lost, but it could also aid in identifying your child if the worst situation presented itself.

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The Situation: Your Child is MissingFirst Contacts

State Police Barracks covering the town from where your child is missing

The detective unit of your town police. They can be very helpful. They can help sift through any papers, notes, or phone numbers your child may have left behind.

http://www.missingkids.org Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-690-FIND

http://www.operationlookout.org Operation Lookout –Missing children organization

The above contacts will instruct you on the next steps they will take. Your next step is to physically get your flyers out as fast as possible. As in advertising, you need to get your child’s face out to the public. The more flyers you distribute, the more your child’s face will be seen. All it takes is one flyer for your child to be spotted. But which flyer is it? Is it the one you haven’t yet printed? We contacted our church and friends and enlisted more than 100 people to flood a target area with the flyers.

Make a flyer in .pdf (cannot be altered) format. Your .pdf format flyer should be faxed or emailed to the above and the following organizations found throughout this booklet. Email to your friends and ask them to forward it. Include a cover letter explaining the seriousness of the situation, what you are requesting of them. Make sure you include the police contact person with their phone number. DO NOT put your own phone number on the flyer. http://www.beyondmissing.com/bm has an excellent program to do this

Contact the newspaper and television stations in your area. Enlist them to get your child’s face “out there” as much as possible. Call them every other day to continue their efforts.

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http://search.officer.com/agencysearch/default.htm This is a search site for law enforcement agencies for the United States by state and also worldwide.

mailto:WebMaster@USE.SalvationArmy.Org Salvation Army- Northeast Division (or whichever division area you want to cover). They can e-mail your flyer to all their locations and their email list server

Mass Transit Police, all area bus and train terminals. www.fourthekids.org Help for families of missing children www.kidzidz.com Child safety information Fax/ email all your friends and instruct them to forward it on to

as many people and businesses possible. Many companies will get involved making copies and putting flyers out on their own.

http://map.exxonstations.com/ (Be patient, takes time to load) If you have a friend with computer expertise set him or her to work from this site. With a few keystrokes, one can locate & e-mail Exxon & Mobil gas stations throughout the United States. Most of these gas stations have convenience stores; a prime location to post flyers. Attach a cover letter. Include dates, names, and police contacts for verification. Ask the location operator to keep an eye out for your child, post the flyer, or even better, show the flyer to their customers. The cover letter should come from the parents of the missing child with the flyer as an attachment. Do not give out your home number. Stress the gravity of the situation. All missing children cases are serious, whether they ran or were abducted. Once your child is “out there” the probability of abduction is high.

Commissioner of the Department of Education in target state(s). This is vital. They can forward your cover letter & flyer to every school superintendent in your target state. Have them send the letter with the flyer to the school principals to get to the teachers. Situation can be explained to students who may see your child. Kids often meet up with mainstream kids and form friendships. Indiana Department of Education151 West Ohio StreetIndianapolis, Indiana 46204Phone: 317-232-6610

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Fax: 317-232-8004webmaster@doe.in.gov

Target large chain stores & mall security. Call their human resources director for assistance. They will often forward your flyer to all their stores. Here are some of the Major malls Indiana

Castleton Square Mall   Castleton Square, Indiana's largest mall, promises you shopping success! Anchored by Galyan's Trading Company, JCPenney, L.S.Ayres, Lazarus, Sears and Von Maur. Tel: (317) 849-9993Circle Centre Mall Come to Circle Centre in Indianapolis to explore 2 full city blocks and 4 exciting levels that feature more than 100 shopping, dining and entertainment options. Tel: (317) 681-8000College Mall College Mall in Bloomington promises a successful and stress-free shopping experience. Our mall features more than 90 specialty stores and eateries. Tel: (812) 339-3054Eastland Mall   Eastland Mall in Evansville is an attractive shopping center that promises to deliver just the right amount of retail therapy. Tel: (812) 477-4848Fashion Mall at Keystone   The Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis offers 95 specialty shops and restaurants. Tel: (317) 574-4000Glenbrook Square Mall   Glenbrook Square is Fort Wayne's largest shopping mall. For the best in shopping, entertainment and dining visit us. Tel: (260) 483-2119Greenwood Park Mall   You'll have a great day of shopping Greenwood Park Mall with over 120 specialty shops Tel: (317) 881-6758Jefferson Pointe Jefferson Pointe in Fort Wayne is the premier destination for everything you want to find, and anything you want to do. It has 24 restaurants, 43

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exclusive clothing and specialty stores and the area's largest movie theater complex. Tel: 260-459-1160Fax: 260-459-9260Lafayette Square Mall   Anchored by Burlington Coat Factory, L.S.Ayres, Sears, and Steve & Barry's University Sportswear, Lafayette Square in Indianapolis is home to more than 90 specialty stores Tel: (317) 291-6390Markland Mall At Markland Mall in Kokomo, you'll find fabulous fashion, exceptional eateries, delightful diversions and superb shops that entice you to create a new look! Tel: (765) 452-5651Muncie Mall The Muncie Mall include Elder-Beerman, JCPenney, L.S.Ayres and Sears and features more than 70 additional stores. Tel: (765) 282-2121Tippecanoe Mall   Tippecanoe Mall offers a delightful array of shopping selections, including more than 100 specialty stores, plus JCPenney, Kohl's, L.S.Ayres and Sears. Tel: (765) 448-6176University Park Mall   University Park Mall is a super-regional mall serving the metropolitan South Bend/Mishawaka areas as well as southern Michigan. Tel: (574) 277-2223Washington Square Mall   Washington Square in Indianapolis hosts a myriad of valuable activities and events designed for you, your family and our community Tel: (317) 899-4567

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Recommendations for an Area Search• Get a map of the area• Search the area, start at the last known location and post flyers in

stores• Expand your search in ever widening circles• Contact bordering States immediately i.e.… State police, etc.• Identify actions your child may take, such as

- Will they hitch hike - Color their hair- Do they favor certain stores- Anything that distinguishes your child

• Bring your flyer to as many copy stores as possible. Most will make multiple free copies in this instance.

• Malls are a very likely location where your child may be. It’s warm, dry, with lots of other teens. Email your flyer to the security office all malls in your target area• Locate all transportation services in the area to include taxi services, water shuttles, bus lines, train lines, etc Get e-mail address or fax number and send copy of flyer with letter.• Locate and retain all police e-mail addresses and fax numbers. This can be done through a search on computer. Very time consuming, but very important piece. Enlist friends.• Prepare a press release to be e-mailed to all TV networks• Locate all newspaper telephone numbers to their City Desk, or News Desk Depts.• Locate all teen shelters in the area and ask for their fax numbers. Fax your flyer • Call all your friends to enlist their help in distributing flyers either by hand, e-mail, or fax

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• Keep a pad of paper by every phone and with you at all times

The Effects

The sudden disappearance of any child for any reason is a loss with far ranging effects. It affects the entire family, immediate and extended. No one in the family is spared. But it does not end there. Your child’s peers, their families, teachers, etc. are all affected. The list goes on. The feelings can range from anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, guilt. You need support wherever you can find it; your church, friends, whatever works for you at the time. We can only tell you from our experience that your feelings can overtake you at any time. Sometimes the emotions will be manageable, other times they will be beyond control. Sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and other symptoms will compound the difficulty. You can only try as best you can to stay healthy and focused. Your child will need your support when they are recovered.

This is the hardest part. Not knowing what is happening to your child. There may be times when there are many leads, then periods where there are no leads for days (or even weeks). It is imperative to push the media for continued coverage to keep your child’s face in the public eye. Your child needs you to stay strong and to fight for their return.

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Police Departments of Indiana

Town Phone Fax E-MailAdvance (765)676-6611Albany (765)789-6151Albion* (260)636-7157 (260)636-7765 albionpd@verison.net Alexandria (765)724-3222Anderson* (765)648-6700 (765)648-6784Angola (260)665-2121Arcadia (317)984-3456Argos (574)892-5122Ashley* (260)587-9388 marshal461@ashley.in.gov Atlanta* (765)292-2355 (765)292-2322 atlantapolice@comcast.net Attica* (765)762-2449 (765)764-4960 atticapd@tctc.com Auburn* (260)920-3200 police@ci.auburn.in.us Aurora (812)926-1101Austin* (812)794-2496Avilla (260)897-3555Avon* (317)272-4485 (317)272-4487 avonpd@avongov.org Bargersville (317)422-1222 (317)422-3721Batesville* (812)934-3131 (812)933-0579 sholt@batesvillepolice.orgBattle Ground* (765)567-2223 marshall@battleground.in.gov Bedford (812)275-3311Beech Grove* (317)782-4930 (317)782-4943 pdchief@beechgrove.com Berne* (260)589-2169 (260)589-8120 cobpolice@adamswells.com Bicknell (812)735-2255Bloomfield (812)384-4114Bloomington (812)339-4477Bluffton (260)824-3320Boonville (812)897-6550 (812)897-6549Bourbon (574)342-3105Brazil* (812)446-2211 (812)446-2635 darcher@brazil.in.govBremen (574)546-3456Bristol (574)848-4464Brookston (765)563-3313Brookville (765)647-4178

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Brownsburg (317)852-1100Brownstown (812)358-2345Bunker Hill* (765)689-5086 (765)689-0822 Info@bunkerhillpd.comBurns Harbor (219)787-9411Butler (260)868-2171Butler University* (317)940-9396 (317)940-6578 cmarcum@butler.edu Cambridge City (765)478-1231Cannelton* (812)547-2111 (812)5472020 cpd@psci.net Carmel* (317)571-2500Cedar Lake* (219)374-5416 219.374.9231 barry.wornhoff@cedarlakein.org;

jeremy.allen@cedarlakein.org; roger.patz@cedarlakein.org

Centerville (765)855-5222Chandler (812)925-6898Charlestown* (812)256-6345 (812)256-7136 chiefdean@ctownpd.com Chesterfield (765)378-3354Chesterton (219)926-1136Churubusco (260)693-2609Cicero (317)984-3648Clarksville (812)288-7151Clay City* (812)939-2311 (812)939-0007 claycitypolice@claycountyin.govClayton* (317)539-2552 deputyhcsd@yahoo.com Clifford* (812)372-6465 ctdbsd@tls.net Clinton City (765)832-3232Cloverdale* (765)795-6800 (765)795-2504 police@ccrtc.com Colfax* (765)324-2777 (765)324-2757 colfaxpd@tctc.com Columbia City* (260)248-5121 260-248-5126Columbus* (812)376-2600Connersville (765)825-2111Converse* (765)395-9000 Conversepd@sbcglobal.net Corydon (812)738-3959Covington (765)793-3311Crawfordsville (765)362-3762Cromwell (260)856-3838 (260)856-3808Crothersville* (812)793-0049 (812)793-2681 batman1378@insightbb.com Crown Point* (219)663-2131Culver (574)842-2525Cumberland (317)894-3525Daleville (765)378-6343Danville (317)745-2486Dayton (765)447-2219 (765)449-4828De Motte (219)987-3344Decatur (260)724-3123Delphi* (765)564-2345 101@cityofdelphi.orgDillsboro (812)432-3033 (812)432-9005

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Dunkirk (765)768-6061 (765)768-1618Dyer (219)865-1163East Chicago* (219)391-8400 (219)391-8322 GFLORES@EASTCHICAGO.C

OM Eaton (765)396-3297Edgewood* (765)642-3200 (765)642-3246 edgewoodpolice@townofedgewoo

din.us Edinburgh (812)526-2636Elberfeld* (812)983-4365 812-983-4178 ElberfeldPolice@hotmail.com Elkhart (574)295-7070Ellettsville* (812)876-2272 (812)876-8332 ev90@ellettsville.in.us Elwood (765)552-3376 (765)552-5852Evansville* (812)436-7896Fairmount* (765)948-4400 http://www.fairmountpolice.us/

contact.phpFarmersburg (812)696-2626Farmland (765)468-6701Ferdinand (812)482-9150Fishers (317)595-3300Flora (574)967-4457 (574)967-4108Fort Branch (812)385-3496 (812)753-3078

Fort Wayne* (260)427-1222Fortville (317)485-6328Fountain City* (765)847-2233 (765)847-2412 fountaincitypolice@yahoo.com Fowler (765)884-0450Francesville (219)567-9521Francisco* (812)782-3573 (812)386-7274Frankfort* (765)654-4431 jdanner178@frankfortpolice.comFranklin* (317)736-3670 317-736-6840 chief@franklinpolice.us Frankton (765)754-8833Fremont (260)495-9848French Lick (812)936-9811Garrett* (260)357-5151 (260)357-4159Gary* (219)881-1260 (219)881-1293Gas City* (765)674-2278 gcpolice@indy.rr.com Gaston* (765)358-4005Georgetown (812)951-2508Goshen (574)533-8661Greencastle (765)653-2925Greendale* (812)537-1321 rmidlam@seidata.com Greenfield (317)477-4400Greensburg (812)663-3131Greentown* (765)628-3434 jbennett@greentownpolice.us Greenwood* (317)882-9191 police@greenwood.in.gov

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Griffith* (219)924-7503Hagerstown* (765)489-4711 (765)489-5100Hammond* (219)853-6310Hanover (812)866-2131Hartford City (765)348-4819Haubstadt* (812)768-6451 (812)768-5120 hpd@insightbb.comHebron* (219)996-2111 (219)996-2144 hebronpd@netnitco.net Highland* (219)838-3184 (219)972-5095 phojnicki@highland.in.govHobart* (219)942-1125 (219)942-9806Homecroft* (317)783-4400 comcastpd@comcast.net Hope (812)546-4015Hudson Marshal* (260)587-9500 (260)587-3504 cop@hudsontown.org Huntingburg (812)683-3003Huntington (260)358-2308 (260)358-2343Huntington University*

(260)356-6000 police@huntington.edu

Hymera* (812)241-5212 (812)383-9202 darrick_cullison2000@yahoo.com Indiana University*

(812)855-4111 (812)855-1496 iupd@indiana.edu

Indianapolis Metropolitan*

(317)327-3811

Indianapolis Park Rangers*

(317)327-7141 (317)327-7138

Ingalls (317)485-8144Jasonville (812)665-2694Jasper (812)482-2255Jeffersonville* (812)283-6633Jonesboro* (765)674-6963 dconrad@jonesboropolicedepartm

ent.org Kempton (765)947-7005Kendallville* (260)347-0654 260-347-7030 police@kendallville-in.orgKentland (219)474-5330Kingsford Heights (219)393-3028Knightstown (765)345-2785Knox* (574)772-4122 knoxpolice@cityofknox.netKokomo (765)456-7100Kouts (219)766-2332La Porte* (219)362-9446 (219)324-4375 tscherer@lpcitypd.com Lafayette (765)807-1200Lagrange (260)463-3241Lake Station* (219)962-1186Lakeville (574)784-2024Lapel (765)534-4600Laurel* (765)698-2233Lawrence* (317)549-6404

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Lawrenceburg (812)537-2284Lebanon (765)482-8836Liberty* (765)458-5721 libertypd@verizon.net Ligonier* (260)894-4111 (260)894-3999 ligpd@ligtel.com Linton (812)847-4411Lizton* (317)994-6000 (317)994-6015 liztonpd@indy.rr.com Logansport* (574)753-4101 (574)753-0513 info@logansportpolice.com Long Beach PD (219)874-4243 219-874-3443 tolbpd@comcast.net Loogootee (812)295-2246Lowell (219)696-0411Lynn* (765)874-1225Madison (812)265-3347Marion (765)662-9981 (765)668-4416Martinsville* (765)342-6614 (765)342-6725 chief@martinsville.in.gov Matthews* (765)998-7028 (765)998-2588 justacop@comteck.com McCordsville* (317)335-2812 317-335-2811 hrodgers@mccordsville.orgMedaryville (219)843-4893Medora* (812)966-8484 (812)966-2447 medorapd@insightbb.com Merrillville* (219)769-3722 219-769-3846Michigan City* (219)873-1460 219-873-1435 ASKACOP@Emichigancity.comMiddlebury (574)825-9111Middletown (765)354-2281Milan (812)654-2211Milford (574)658-4941Milltown* (812)633-2045 (812)633-2085 rparks@milltownpolice.org Milton* (765)478-3818Mishawaka* (574)258-1683 (574)258-1690 http://www.mishawakacity.com/

contactform2.asp?towho=police%20department&refby=www%2Emishawakacity%2Ecom%2Fpolice%2Easp

Mitchell* (812)849-2151 mpd@mitchellpd.com Monon (219)253-8414Monroe* (260)692-6215 (260)692-6045 contactus@monroepolicedept.org Montezuma* (765)245-2590Monticello (574)583-2256Montpelier* (765)728-6504 (765)728-6508 montpelierpolice@onlyinternet.ne

t Mooreland (765)766-5056Mooresville* (317)831-3434 (317)831-6056 MooresvillePD@Comcast.net Mount Carmel* (765)647-0656Mount Vernon (812)838-8705Muncie* (765)747-4838 chief@munciepolice.org Munster (219)836-6600Nappanee (574)773-4111

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New Albany (812)948-5300New Carlisle (574)654-3544New Castle* (765)529-4890 765-521-6846 jim-

nicholson@cityofnewcastle.netNew Chicago* (219)962-6061New Harmony (812)682-4846New Haven* (260)748-7080 260-493-1726 nhpd@newhavenin.org New Whiteland* (317)535-9781 (317)535-5005Newburgh (812)853-3312Noblesville* (317)776-6340 npd@noblesville.in.usNorth Judson* (574)772-5914 njpd@mchsi.com North Liberty* (574)656-4411 (574)656-4701 nlpolice@kconline.com North Manchester (260)982-8555North Salem* (765)676-6400 (765)676-4339 nspd@embarqmail.com North Vernon* (812)346-2345 812.346.0906 jwebster@nvpd.orgOakland City (812)749-3535 (812)749-8117Oaktown* (812)745-9074Odon (812)636-8550Orestes* (765)754-7187 orestespd@cji.net Orleans* (812)865-2222Osceola (574)674-8685Osgood* (812)689-4313 http://www.osgoodindiana.org/

feedback2.htmlOssian* (260)622-7519Owensville (812)385-3496Paoli (812)723-2836Parker City Town Marshal

(765)468-1225

Patoka* (812)779-3401 baize@gibsoncountysheriff.com Pendleton* (765)778-3933 (765)778-3696Peru* (765)473-2150Petersburg (812)354-8716Pittsboro* (317)892-3329 (317)892-5632 cpatterson@pittsboropolice.org Plainfield (317)839-8700Plymouth (574)936-2126Portage* (219)762-3122 (219)763-6531Porter (219)926-7611Portland (260)726-7161Poseyville (812)874-3518Princeton* (812)385-3437Redkey (765)369-2345Remington (219)261-2402Rensselaer (219)866-7602Richmond (765)983-7247Ridgeville (765)857-2661

22

Rising Sun* (812)438-3737Rochester (574)223-3313Rockport* (812)649-2242 (812)649-2253Rockville (765)569-5200Rossville* (765)379-2183Rushville* (765)932-3907 (765)932-2131Russiaville* (765)883-5739 (765)883-7397 russpd@netusa1.net Salem (812)883-5100Santa Claus* (812)937-2340 (812)937-2630 scpd@psci.netSchererville (219)322-5000Schneider* (219)552-9497 (219)552-9411 spdspdone@yahoo.com Scottsburg (812)752-4462Sellersburg* (812)246-4491 (812)246-3658Seymour* (812)522-1234 (812)522-1254Shelburn* (812)397-5900 (812)397-0215 shelburnpolice@hotmail.com Shelbyville* (317)392-5106 (317)392-3645 welliott@cityofshelbyvillein.com Sheridan* (317)758-2500 317-758-6145 http://www.sheridanpd.org/

Contact_Us.htmlShipshewana (260)768-4310South Bend* (574)235-9201Southport (317)787-7595Speedway* (317)244-9543 (317)240-1318 info@speedwaypolice.org Spencer (812)829-3932St John (219)365-8611St Leon* (812)576-5366 (812)576-5367 slpd15@etczone.com St Paul* (765)525-7695 (765)525-7698 chrisvierling@yahoo.com Stilesville* (317)539-2237 stilesvillepd@yahoo.com Stinesville (812)935-7873Sullivan City* (812)268-4353Summitville* (765)536-2412Swayzee* (765)922-4585 (765)922-7088 cmjones@swayzee.org Sweetser* (765)384-7222 (765)384-5664 sweetserpolice@sweetserpolicede

partment.com Syracuse (574)457-3366Tell City* (812)547-7068 http://www.tellcityindiana.com/

default.cfm?Departmentid=26&contact=yes

Terre Haute* (812)238-1661 John.Plasse@TerreHaute.IN.GovThorntown (765)436-7677Tipton (765)675-2152Topeka (260)593-2822Union City* (765)964-5353 (765)964-3766Valparaiso* (219)462-2135 (219)477-4767 mbrickner@valpopd.comVan Buren (765)934-2251Veedersburg* (765)294-2345 (765)294-4037 veedersburgpd@sbcglobal.net

23

Versailles (812)689-6122Vevay (812)427-3737Vincennes (812)882-1630Wabash (260)563-1111Wakarusa (574)862-4200Walkerton* (574)586-3511 (574)586-7252 walkertonpolice@hotmail.com Walton (574)626-3303Warren (260)375-2657Warsaw* (574)372-9511 (574)267-3613 scottw@warsawpd.orgWashington* (812)254-4410Waterloo (260)837-3131West Lafayette (765)775-5200West Terre Haute* (812)533-2113Westfield* (317)896-5236 (317)867-0630 jrush@westfield.in.govWestport* (812)591-2651 (812)591-3953 westportpd@insightbb.com Westville* (219)785-4177 (219)785-2267 westvillepolice@csinet.net Whiteland* (317)535-8100 (317)535-6062 dcapozzi@townofwhiteland.com Whiting (219)659-2131Wilkinson* (765)781-2605 (765)781-0044 wilkinsonpd@yahoo.com Winamac (574)946-4800Winchester (765)584-6891Windfall (317)945-7515Winona Lake* (574)267-8622 wlpd@kconline.com Winslow (812)354-6024Wolcott (219)279-2505Wolcottville (260)854-2930Woodburn (260)632-9200Worthington (812)875-2424Yorktown (765)759-7760Zionsville* (317)873-5967 (317)873-8026

24

Indiana County Sheriffs

County Phone Fax E-MailAdams Co* (260)724-7141Allen Co* (260)449-3000 (260)449-7915Bartholomew Co (812)379-1650Benton Co (765)884-0080Blackford Co* (765)348-0930 (765)348-7237Boone Co (765)482-1412Brown Co* (812)988-6655 (812)988-8859Carroll Co* (765)564-2413Cass Co (574)753-7800Clark Co* (812)283-4471 (812)280-5608 sheriff@clarkcosheriff.comClay Co (812)446-2535Clinton Co (765)654-5563Crawford Co (812)338-2802Daviess Co (812)254-1060Dearborn Co (812)537-3431Decatur Co* (812)663-8125 (812)663-6887DeKalb Co* (260)925-3365 jay2434@excite.com Delaware Co* (765)747-7885 (765)741-3391Dubois Co (812)482-3522Elkhart Co* (574)533-8644 twendzonka@elkhartcountysherif

f.com Fayette Co* (765)825-1110 faycoinsd@hotmail.com Floyd Co* (812)948-5400Fountain Co (765)793-3545Franklin Co (765)647-4138Fulton Co (574)223-2819Gibson Co* (812)385-3496Grant Co* (765)662-9836 (765)668-6538Greene Co (812)384-4411 (812)384-2024Hamilton Co* (317)773-1872 317 776-9835 chuck.murray

@hamiltoncounty.in.govHancock Co (317)477-1144

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Harrison Co (812)738-2195Henry Co* (765)529-5201Howard Co* (765)457-1105 (765)456-2145 hcsd@co.howard.in.usHuntington Co (260)356-2520Jackson Co (812)358-2141Jasper Co (219)866-7334Jay Co (260)726-8188Jefferson Co (812)265-2648Jennings Co* (812)346-5111Johnson Co* (317)736-9155 (317)736-2200 terrymclaughlin@co.johnson.in.usKnox Co* (812)882-7660Kosciusko Co* (574)267-5667 574-269-6195La Porte Co (219)879-3530Lagrange Co (260)463-7491Lake Co* (219)755-3400 mhiggins@lakecountysheriff.com Lawrence Co* (812)275-3316 (812)277-2007 scraig@lawrencecounty.in.gov Madison Co* (765)646-9290Marshall Co (574)936-3187 (574)936-3264Martin Co (812)247-3726Miami Co (765)473-5474Monroe Co* (812)349-2780 812-349-2828Montgomery Co (765)362-3740Morgan Co (765)342-5544Newton Co (219)474-5661Noble Co* (260)636-2182 gleatherman@nobleco.org Ohio Co* (812)438-3636 (812)438-4848Orange Co (812)723-2417Owen Co (812)829-4874Parke Co* (765)569-5413 (765)569-6869Perry Co (812)547-2441Pike Co (812)354-6024Porter Co* (219)477-3000Posey Co (812)838-1321Prince's Lakes Marshal's Office*

(317)933-3517 (317)933-3246

Pulaski Co* (574)946-6655 (574)946-0924Putnam Co* (765)653-3211Randolph Co* (765)584-1721 (765)584-5592 rcsd681@aol.com Ripley Co* (812)689-5555 812-689-5418 sheriff@ripleycounty.comRush Co (765)932-2931Saint Joseph Co* (574)245-6540Scott Co* (812)752-8400 (812)752-5751 sbear@hsonline.net Seelyville Marshal

(812)208-6321 (812)877-9734

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DepartmentShelby Co (317)398-6661Spencer Co (812)649-2286Starke Co (574)772-3771Steuben Co* (260)668-1000 (260)665-9476 sheriff@co.steuben.in.usSullivan Co (812)268-4308Switzerland Co (812)427-3636Tippecanoe Co (765)423-9388Tipton Co (765)675-2111Union Co (765)458-5194Vanderburgh Co*

(812)421-6200 info@vanderburghsheriff.com

Vermillion Co* (765)492-3737 (765) 492-5011

sheriffspence@vcsheriff.com

Vigo Co* (812)462-3226 (812)235-7558Wabash Co (260)563-8891Warren Co (765)764-4367Warrick Co* (812)897-6180 (812)897-3654Washington Co* (812)883-2834Waterloo Marshal's Office*

(260)837-3131 (260)837-5008 Marshal@waterloo-in.com

Wayne Co (765)973-9393Wells Co (260)824-3426White Co (574)583-2251 (574)583-6457Whitley Co (260)244-6410

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Indiana State Police E-Mail: http://www.in.gov/isp/2360.htm

Districts PhoneLowell District 13 (219) 696-6242Lafayette District 14 (765) 567-2125Peru District 16 (765) 473-6666Fort Wayne District 22 (260) 432-8661Bremen District 24 (574) 546-4900Redkey District 25 (765) 369-2561Terre Haute District 32 (812) 299-1151Bloomington District 33 (812) 332-4411Jasper District 34 (812) 482-1441Evansville District 35 (812) 867-2079Connersville District 41 (765) 825-2115Versailles District 42 (812) 689-5000Sellersburg District 45 (812) 246-5424Pendleton District 51 (765) 778-2121Indianapolis District 52 (317) 899-8577Putnamville District 53 (765) 653-4114

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Indiana Media

TV Stations

Channel Station Phone Fax E-MailChannel 28 - Fox

Elkhart - WSJV

574.679.4545 574.294.1267 fox28news@fox28.com

Channel 25 -  ABC

Evansville - WEHT

(800) 879-8549 (270) 827-0561 news@news25.us

Channel 44 - CBS

Evansville - WEVV

(812) 464-4444 (812)465-4559

Channel 14 - NBC

Evansville - WFIE

812.425.3026 812.428.2228 newsdesk@14wfie.com

Channel 15 - CBS

Fort Wayne - WANE

Channel 33 - NBC

Fort Wayne - WKJG

Channel 8 - CBS

Indianapolis - WISH

317-931-2222 317-931-2242

Channel 6 - ABC

Indianapolis - WRTV

Channel 13 - NBC

Indianapolis - WTHR

317-636-1313

Channel 18 - CBS

Lafayette - WLFI

Channel South Bend 574-284-3016 574-284-3022

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16 - NBC

- WNDU

Channel 28 - Fox

South Bend - WSBT

Channel 10 - CBS

Terre Haute - WTHI

812-232-4953 812-232-3694 news10@wthitv.com

Channel 2 - NBC

Terre Haute - WTWO

812.696.2121 812.696.2000 news@wtwo.com

Indiana newspapers

Newspaper Phone Fax EmailAnderson Herald Bulletin

(765) 622-1212 scott.underwood@heraldbulletin.com

Herald Bulletin, The (765) 640-4845 scott.underwood@heraldbulletin.com

Auburn Evening Star

260-925-2611 260-925-2625 dkurtz@kpcnews.net

Bedford Times-Mail (812) 277-7258 mikel@tmnews.com The Bloomington Herald-Times

(812) 331-4364 rzaltsberg@heraldt.com

Bluffton News Banner

260-824-0224 260-824-0700 newsroom@news-banner.com

Clinton County Life (765) 659-4622 (765) 654-7031 bpeloza@ftimes.comColumbia City - The Post and Mail

(260) 625-3879 (260) 244-7598 postandmail@earthlink.net

The Connersville News-Examiner

765-825-0581 765-825-4599 ghufferd@newsexaminer.com

Corydon Democrat, The

1-812-738-2211 ctimberlake@corydondemocrat.com

Journal Review 765-362-1200 765-364-5424 jheater@jrpress.com Decatur Daily Democrat

(260) 724-2121 (260) 724-7981 comp@decaturdailydemocrat.com

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

260-461-8853 cklugman@jg.net

The Fort Wayne News-Sentinal

260-461-8239 khubartt@news-sentinel.com

The Frankfort Times

(765) 659-4622 (765) 654-7031 bpeloza@ftimes.com

Gary Post-Tribune (219) 648-3148 jgard@post-trib.com Goshen News 574-533-2151

ext. 395news@goshennews.com

30

Greensburg Daily News

(812) 663-3111 (812) 663-2985

Huntington Herald-Press

260-356-6700 ext. 116

hpnews@h-ponline.com

Indianapolis Recorder, The

(317) 924-5143 (317) 924-5148

Indianapolis Star and News

(317) 444-4000 steve.berta@indystar.com

The Kendallville News-Sun

260-347-0400

Kokomo Tribune (765) 454-8584 ktnews@kokomotribune.com

Lafayette Journal and Courier

1-800-456-3223 ecarroll@journalandcourier.com

The Lake County Times

(219) 933-3223 newstips@nwitimes.com

Pharos Tribune (574) 722-5000 Ext. 5117

ptnews@pharostribune.com

Martinsville Daily Reporter

(765) 342-3311 (765) 342-1446 bculp@reportert.com

Miami County Life (765) 473-6641 (765) 472-4438 aturner@perutribune.com

The Muncie Star Press

800-783-2472 http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=CUSTOMERSERVICE03

Brown County Democrat

(812) 988-2221 (812) 988-6502 newsroom@bcdemocrat.com

New Castle Courier Times

(765) 529-1111 jhodge@thecouriertimes.com

Peru Tribune (765) 473-6641 (765) 472-4438 aturner@perutribune.com

The Plainfield FlyerGroup Newspapers

317/272-5800 ext 134

317/272-5887 kathy.linton@flyergroup.com

Pilot News, The (574) 936-3101 (574) 936-7491 news@thepilotnews.com

Princeton Daily Clarion

(812) 385-2525

(812) 386-6199

Shelbyville Life (317) 398-6631 (317) 398-0194South Bend Tribune 574-247-6397 574-236-1765 SBTNews@sbtinfo.co

mThe Spencer County (812) 522-4871 (812) 522-3371

31

LeaderTribune-Star Online 812-231-4200Osgood Journal / Vesailles Republican

(812) 689-6364 (812) 689-6508 publication@ripleynews.com

Wabash Plain Dealer 260-563-2131 260-563-0816 news@wabashplaindealer.com

Warsaw Times-Union

574.267.3111 574.267.7784 news@timesuniononline.com

Washington Times Herald

812-254-0480 812-254-7517 mbrunson@washtimesherald.com

Shelters in Indiana

Away Home ShelterDenise Dawson, Director309 East Franklin StreetGreencastle, INPhone: (317)653-9734

Anchor House Family Emergency Shelter250 S. Vine StreetSeymour, IN 47274Phone: (812)522-9308FAX: (812)522-9308

Center for The Homeless (South Bend): Provides shelter, medical care, and adult education813 S. Michigan StreetSouth Bend, IN 46601Phone: (219)282-8700FAX: (219)287-5023

City of Lafayette Food, Shelter, & Clothing Resources

Evansville Rescue Mission300 S.E. M. L. King Blvd.Evansville, IN 47713

32

Phone: (812)421-3800FAX: (812)421-3809

Faith Mission of Elkhart530 South Main StreetElkhart, IN 46515Phone: (219)294-1787

Fort Wayne Rescue Mission: Food, Shelter, Clothing, etc.301 West Superior StreetFort Wayne, IN 46855-1116Phone: (219)426-7357FAX: (219)424-4953

Grant Co. Rescue Mission423 S. Gallatin StreetMarion, IN 46952-0063Phone: (317)662-0988

Hot Meals List (Columbus, IN)

Hope Rescue Mission532 South Michigan StreetSouth Bend, IN 46634-4884Phone: (219)288-4842

Holy Family Shelter (Indianapolis): Shelter for married couples, single parents, & pregnant women

Jennings County Homeless Shelter (North Vernon): Families & single males and females (14 days)

Kokomo Rescue Mission300 West MulberryKokomo, IN 46903-0476

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Phone: (317)456-3838FAX: (317)457-5794

Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, Inc.814 N. 14th StreetLafayette, IN47904Phone: 765-423-4880FAX: 765-423-7027

Lighthouse Mission520 East Market StreetIndianapolis, IN 46204Phone: 317-636-0209FAX: 317-686-2216

Light House Mission1450 Wabash AvenueTerre Haute, IN 47807Phone: (812)232-7001FAX: (812)232-0235

Muncie Mission520 S. High StreetMuncie, IN 47305Phone: (317)288-9122FAX: (317)288-9986

The Christian Center2625 Main StreetAnderson, IN 46015Phone: (317)649-4264

United Caring Shelters, Inc.324 Northwest Sixth StreetEvansville, IN 47708Phone: 812-426-9660 (Shelter)

34

812-422-0297 (Office)

Wheeler Mission Ministries245 N. Delaware StreetP.O. Box 817Indianapolis, IN 46206-0817Phone: 317-635-3575FAX: 317-687-3629

Indiana Public Transit

Allen CountyFort Wayne Citilink (Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation, FWPTC) Phone: (260) 432-4977

Bartholomew CountyColumbus ColumBUS (City of Columbus Transit)Phone: (812) 376-2506 Fax: (812) 376-2566

Benton CountyBoswell BVT (Town of Boswell Volunteer Transit)

Fowler HOPE Transit (Benton County HOPE Transit Program)

Monon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

Louisville, KYTRANSIT AGENCIESLACRC (Louisville Area Chapter of the Red Cross)TARC (Transit Authority of River City) Phone: 502-561-5157

Clinton CountyRossville RVT (Town of Rossville Volunteer Transit)

Crawford CountyCorydonSITS (Southern Indiana Transportation System, Blue River Services)

Daviess CountyWashington WTS (City of Washington Transit System)Ride Solution (RS)

35

Dearborn CountyLawrenceburg Catch-a-Ride (unofficial)

Delaware CountyMuncie MITS (Muncie Indiana Transit System) Phone: (765)282-2762Yorktown New InterUrban (NI)

Dubois CountyHuntingburg HTS (City of Huntingburg Transit System) Phone: 812-683-2211

Elkhart CountyThe BusThe BusPhone: (574) 674-4094

Goshen GTS (Goshen Transit System) Phone: (574) 674-8894

Floyd CountyLouisville, KYTRANSIT AGENCIES

LACRC (Louisville Area Chapter of the Red Cross)

TARC (Transit Authority of River City) Phone: 502-561-5157

Fountain CountyHillsboro HVT (Town of Hillsboro Volunteer Transit)

Franklin CountyBrookville FCPT (Franklin County Public Transportation)

Grant CountyMarion MTS (Marion Transit System)

Greene CountyWashington Ride Solution (RS)

Hamilton CountyNoblesville NPT (Noblesville Public Transit)

Harrison CountyCorydon SITS (Southern Indiana Transportation System, Blue River Services)

36

Henry CountyNew Castle NCCT (New Castle Community Transit)

Howard CountyKokomo FCRP (First City Rider Program) Phone: 765-456-2336

SOK (Spirit of Kokomo Senior Citizens Bus)

Jackson CountySeymour STD (City of Seymour Transit Department, Recycle to Ride) Phone: 812.522.4020

Jasper CountyMonon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

Jay CountyYorktown New InterUrban (NI)

Jefferson CountyLawrenceburg Catch-a-Ride (unofficial)

Johnson CountyFranklin AJC (Access Johnson County)Indianapolis IndyGo (Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, IPTC) Phone: (317) 635.3344

Knox CountyVincennes Van-Go (City of Vincennes Van-Go Public Transportation)

Kosciusko CountyWarsaw KABS (Kosciusko Area Bus Service) Phone: (574) 267-4990 E-Mail: transportation@cardinalcenter.org

La Porte CountyChesterton NICTD (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) Phone: 219-926-5744La Porte TransporteMichigan City MCMC (Michigan City Municipal Coach) Phone: (219) 873-1502 Fax: (219) 873-1565 E-Mail: charris@emichigancity.com

Lake CountyChesterton NICTD (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) Phone: 219-926-5744

37

East Chicago ECT (East Chicago Transit)

Gary GPTC (Gary Public Transportation Corporation)

TWT (TradeWinds Rehabilitation Center, TradeWinds Transportation)

Hammond HTS (Hammond Transit System)TransAction (Lake County Economic Opportunity Council,

LCEOC)NTDAR (North Township of Lake County Dial-a-Ride)

Schererville LCRTA (Lake County Regional Transit Authority)

Lawrence CountyBedford LCPT (Lawrence County Public Transit)(unofficial)

TASC (Transit Authority of Stone City)

Bloomington Rural Transit (Area 10 Council on Aging)

Mitchell MTS (Mitchell Transportation Service)

Madison CountyAnderson CATS (City of Anderson Transportation System)

TRAM (Transportation for Rural Areas of Madison County)

Marion CountyAirport Ground Transportation IIA (Indianapolis International Airport)

Indianapolis CPM (Clarian People Mover)

IndyGo (Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, IPTC) Phone: (317) 635.3344

Marshall CountyPlymouth RCR (Rock City Rider)

Martin CountyWashington Ride Solution (RS)

Monroe CountyBloomington Bloomington Transit (Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation, BPTC) E-Mail: customer@kiva.net

38

IUCBS (Indiana University Campus Bus Service) Phone: (812) 855-8384 E-Mail Address: iubus@indiana.edu

Rural Transit (Area 10 Council on Aging)

Montgomery CountyWaveland WVT (Town of Waveland Volunteer Transit)

Newton CountyMonon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

Ohio CountyLawrenceburg Catch-a-Ride (unofficial)

Orange CountyPaoli OCTS (Orange County Transit Service)

Owen CountyBloomington Rural Transit (Area 10 Council on Aging)

Porter CountyChesterton NICTD (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) Phone: 219-926-5744

Valparaiso OE Express (Opportunity Enterprises Transportation)Phone: (219) 464-9621 Fax: (219) 464-9635 Email:  oppent@oppent.org

Pulaski CountyMonon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

Randolph CountyYorktown New InterUrban (NI)

Ripley CountyLawrenceburg Catch-a-Ride (unofficial)

Saint Joseph CountyChesterton NICTD (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) Phone: 219-926-5744

South Bend Transpo (South Bend Public Transportation Corporation)Phone: 574.233.2131 E-Mail: transpocustserv@sbtranspo.com

39

Scott CountyCorydon SITS (Southern Indiana Transportation System, Blue River Services)

Starke CountyMonon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

Sullivan CountyWashington Ride Solution (RS)

Switzerland CountyLawrenceburg Catch-a-Ride (unofficial)

Tippecanoe CountyClarks Hill CHVT (Town of Clarks Hill Volunteer Transit)Lafayette CityBus (CityBus of Greater Lafayette)Phone: (765) 423-2666 E-Mail: ridehelp@gocitybus.com

Union CountyLiberty UCTS (Union County Transit Service)

Vanderburgh CountyEvansville METS (Metropolitan Evansville Transit System) Phone: 435-6166Vigo CountyTerre Haute THTU (City of Terre Haute Transit Utility)

WCST (West Central Senior Transportation)

Wabash CountyWabash WCTS (Wabash County Transit System)

Washington CountyCorydon SITS (Southern Indiana Transportation System, Blue River Services)

Wayne CountyRichmond RVTS (Rose View Transit System)

White CountyBrookston BVT (Town of Brookston Volunteer Transit)Monon ACPT (Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission, Arrowhead Country Public Transportation)

40

The Recovery

We all hope for a successful recovery. Sometimes this will happen other times sadly it won’t. When you finally recover your child it is so important that you show them love, and concern for their well being, not anger, fear, or hatred. If you show any negitive emotions it can cause your child to feel as though they are unwanted, unloved, and worthless.

You will be flooded with a wide range of emotions, but it is essential to remember that your child has been traumatized and needs you to show them love support and compassion.

It is imperative to get your child medical attention as soon as possible after the recovery. Do not wait days take them directly to the hospital for a thorough physical and evaluation.

During the evaluation it is important to bring them a change of clothes. Place the clothes (including under clothes) your child was last wearing in a paper bag (not plastic). The police may need them to recover evidence.

41

The Aftermath

The entire family needs to process their experience to start the healing process and rebuild the family. Be prepared for any horrors your child may have been through and be supportive. Therapy; both individual and family, is probably the best advice that we can offer. We can only hope that this will help others heal after their ordeal; maybe not with words of wisdom, but with guidance towards a direction for healing. Therapy is vital for your child to process feelings and experiences that they had during their episode, and to allow them to see the truth about what has taken place.

It’s so important to remember your child may not be forthcoming with information. It may take years of intensive therapy to come to terms with what they went through. The trick, on your part, is patience. You may never know everything that took place.

Personally (Bob speaking), my greatest struggle is the guilt of not being able to prevent this from happening to my daughter and to my family. The visions that followed me every day during our search still creep into my mind. I am told my guilt is self-imposed. I still try to heal, and pray that someday my family’s life will return to normal.

42

Now, as I fight my personal battles to persevere, my duty as a dad is to care for my wife and daughter, and to keep this family together. I have one other duty as a member of the human race — to try to help other families by passing on the lessons we so harshly learned.

Never let a day go by without telling your child what they mean to you.

To My Daughter

You are life’s most precious gift,I see the promises of tomorrow

in the twinkle of your eyes.You are a gift to be loved.

You are the pride of my life,the joy of my heart.

You are my daughter!

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