Each program establishes its own AMBER Plan criteria; however, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children suggests three criteria that should be met before an Alert is activated.

1. law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted
2. law enforcement believes the circumstances surrounding the abduction indicate that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death
3. there is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help