The Indiana State Police has announced its partnership in 2025 with the United States 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, which is a day dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.
The day is intended to serve as a reminder to continue efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones while also serving as an occasion to honor those who are dedicated to the 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 certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice, and their poster will be selected to progress to the national judging competition. The national winner, alongside their parents and teacher, and the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.
Some important facts about the contest:
- There is no limit on the number of posters a school can submit.
- Only one (1) poster per student is allowed for submission.
- Students who submit posters must be in the 5th 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 ½ x 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: 2025 Indiana Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest Packet
- Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by Sergeant Seth Tumey is Feb. 21, 2025.
Submissions are to be sent to the Indiana State Police Museum with Attention: Sergeant Seth Tumey at 8660 E. 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46219.
If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1. It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image and a DNA sample from your child.
