Could you save a missing child?

As police in Portugal carry out a painstaking ground search for clues in the case of Madeleine McCann, many people in Britain will be wishing they could do something to help.

But while that case is now in the hands of a dedicated team of detectives, there is something that everyone in this country could do to protect children in the future.

The mothers of Madeleine and the murdered schoolgirl April Jones have both asked people to sign up to the new Child Rescue Alert scheme, which helps publicise missing children in the crucial first hours after they disappear.

The messages are free and will only be used in situations where children are thought to be at real risk of harm.

Speaking shortly before the new scheme launched last month, Kate McCann said: “When a child is abducted, families are devastated and entire communities are torn apart. The agony of not knowing where your child is is almost impossible to imagine. The helplessness is at times overwhelming. But there is now something we can all do to help. Please sign up to receive alerts – you could save a child’s life.”

What is it?

The new alert scheme has been created by the National Crime Agency and the charity Missing People, and it’s powered by technology company Groupcall.

Under the new system, if a child goes missing and is considered to be in immediate danger then police can use the alerts to spread the word far more rapidly than before.

They will be able to send text messages, use social media and commandeer digital billboards to ensure that people know to keep watch for a specific child that’s in danger.

You can sign up now to receive those text messages at http://www.childrescuealert.org.uk alerting you if a child is snatched or missing in your area. It takes literally a couple of minutes to register.

Will it work?

America already has a similar scheme – the American Amber Alert system. It has helped save 679 children since it was launched, and in 2012 alone 68 kids were safely recovered as a direct result of the alerts.

In the Netherlands too, a similar system has seen children safely brought home as a direct result of the alerts. It’s used on average four times a year and in 64 per cent of those cases the child was found thanks to the nationwide alert system.

When will the Child Rescue Alerts be used?

These alerts won’t be sent for every missing child, there are strict criteria. They are only going to be used in a real crisis, where a child is thought to be at risk of serious harm or death.

Organisers hope this means they always get noticed and acted on, rather than becoming a routine event. You can find out more about helping other youngsters via the website Missing Children.

What will it cost?

You won’t pay a penny to receive these alerts and your information won’t be shared or sold.

By spreading the word via Facebook, Twitter and among your friends, you could help the charity reach the one million subscribers it needs to help children in danger.

Are you signing up? Will you share this information? Have your say using the comments below.