Volunteer Educator Training Curriculum
Project Milk Carton - Train the Trainer Program
Table of Contents
Overview & Getting Started
This curriculum is designed for educators who will train volunteers on using Project Milk Carton's ARIA intelligence platform. The goal is to create a "train the trainer" program where educators can learn the system and then effectively teach others.
Target Audience
Educators, trainers, volunteer coordinators
Prerequisites
Basic computer literacy, commitment to child safety mission
Learning Outcomes
By completing this curriculum, you will be able to:
- Explain PMC's mission and how ARIA supports child safety
- Navigate ARIA's interface and core features
- Understand OSINT concepts and ethical boundaries
- Apply legal guidelines for volunteer research
- Use ARIA to generate reports and search databases
- Teach these skills effectively to new volunteers
What Volunteers CAN Do
- Search public databases
- Generate state welfare reports
- Create missing children awareness posters
- Review published OPUS investigation reports
- Share PMC content on social media
- Report suspicious information to authorities
What Volunteers CANNOT Do
- Conduct independent investigations
- Access non-public information
- Contact suspects or persons of interest
- Make accusations without evidence
- Bypass legal processes
- Share victim identifying information publicly
Module 1: Mission & System Overview
Lesson 1.1: The Missing Children Crisis in America
Learning Objectives
- Explain the scope of the missing children problem
- Identify different categories of missing children
- Understand why current systems are failing
- Articulate the need for technology-assisted solutions
The Numbers That Matter
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Children reported missing annually | ~460,000 |
| Children in NCMEC database (active cases) | ~1,900+ |
| Children who go missing from foster care | ~20,000+ annually |
| Runaways who are victims of sex trafficking | 1 in 6 |
Key Point: A child goes missing in America approximately every 40 seconds.
Categories of Missing Children
| Category | Annual Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Family Abductions | ~200,000 | Custody disputes, taken by family member |
| Runaways | ~300,000 | Leave voluntarily, often escaping abuse |
| Nonfamily Abductions | ~58,000 | Stranger abductions - most dangerous |
| Missing from Care | ~20,000+ | Foster care runaways, institutional failures |
Why Current Systems Are Failing
- Fragmented Data: No unified national database, poor state communication
- Underfunded Agencies: CPS workers handle 50-100+ cases each
- Delayed Responses: AMBER Alert criteria too restrictive
- Systemic Failures: Children "age out" of the system
The 72-Hour Window
Research shows that the first 72 hours after a child goes missing are critical. After this period, recovery rates drop significantly, trafficking risk increases, and the trail goes cold.
Lesson 1.2: Project Milk Carton's Mission
The Origin of the Milk Carton Campaign
In 1984, after the tragic abductions of Etan Patz and Adam Walsh, Anderson Erickson Dairy launched a groundbreaking idea: printing missing children's photos on milk cartons. Every household had milk, families saw cartons daily at breakfast, and children themselves would see the photos.
PMC's Mission Statement
Project Milk Carton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to:
- Raising Awareness - Ensuring missing children are seen by as many people as possible
- Demanding Accountability - Holding government agencies responsible for failures
- Providing Intelligence - Giving advocates the data they need
- Empowering Communities - Enabling ordinary people to participate
Core Programs & Initiatives
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Milk Carton Posters | Digital posters for missing children, shareable on social media |
| State Reports | Comprehensive analysis of every state's CPS system |
| OPUS Investigations | Deep investigations into systemic failures |
| Volunteer Network | Trained advocates in every state |
| GuardiansWatch Website | Central hub for all PMC resources |
Lesson 1.3: The ARIA Platform Overview
ARIA = Autonomous Research Intelligence Agent
ARIA is PMC's AI-powered research assistant that makes complex child welfare data accessible to everyone. Think of it as a librarian who has read and memorized millions of documents about child safety, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and missing children.
What ARIA Can Access
| Database | Records | What It Contains |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Children | 1,905 | Names, photos, locations, contacts |
| IRS Business Master File | 1.28M+ | All registered nonprofits |
| Form 990s | 1.28M+ | Nonprofit financial statements |
| FEC Contributions | 213M+ | Campaign donation records |
| Federal Awards | 1M+ | Government grants and contracts |
| Court Cases | 138K+ | Legal cases and precedents |
Access Levels
| Level | Who | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Public/Volunteer | Everyone | State reports, missing children search, milk carton posters |
| Level 2: Trained Educators | This curriculum | All Level 1 + published OPUS reports, training materials |
| Level 3: Professional | Paid subscribers | OPUS investigations, priority support |
| Level 4: GOD_MODE | Staff only | Full OSINT tools, database editing |
Lesson 1.4: How Volunteers Make a Difference
The "Multiplier Effect"
PMC trains 1 educator
└── Educator trains 10 volunteers
└── Each volunteer reaches 500 people
└── Total reach: 5,000 people from 1 training
PMC trains 100 educators
└── Total reach: 500,000 people
Volunteer Roles
| Role | What You Do | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness Amplifiers | Share posters, distribute flyers | Each share reaches 200-500 people |
| Community Educators | Present at schools, churches | Create lasting awareness |
| Information Gatherers | Share reports with officials | Bring data to decision-makers |
| Support Network | Connect families with resources | Ensure no one feels alone |
Module 1 Key Takeaways
- 460,000 children are reported missing annually in the US
- PMC revives the milk carton concept for the digital age
- ARIA makes child welfare data accessible to everyone
- Volunteers multiply PMC's reach exponentially
Module 2: ARIA Basics for Educators
Lesson 2.1: Accessing ARIA
Option 1: Telegram (Recommended)
- Download Telegram from App Store or Google Play
- Create an account with your phone number
- Search for:
@PMC_ARIA_Bot - Tap "Start" to begin
- Type
Helloto verify connection
Option 2: Discord
- Go to discord.com
- Join PMC Server: discord.gg/projectmilkcarton
- Navigate to the #aria-bot channel
- Type your questions directly
Understanding ARIA's Responses
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Confirmed/verified information |
| ⚠️ | Important warning or note |
| 📊 | Statistical data |
| 📋 | List or report |
| 🔗 | Link to external resource |
Lesson 2.2: AI-Assisted Research
The SPECIFIC Framework for Better Queries
- S - State or Scope (be geographically specific)
- P - Purpose (what do you want to do with this info?)
- E - Exact terms (use proper terminology)
- C - Context (provide relevant background)
- I - Information type (statistics, procedures, contacts?)
- F - Format (report, list, summary?)
- I - Intent (awareness, education, reporting?)
- C - Clarification (ask for clarification if needed)
Good vs. Vague Queries
| Vague Query | Better Query |
|---|---|
| "Tell me about child abuse" | "What are the mandatory reporting requirements for teachers in Texas?" |
| "Missing kids in my state" | "How many children are missing from Florida, and what is the breakdown by category?" |
| "CPS stuff" | "Generate a summary of California's CPS investigation process, including timelines" |
Lesson 2.3: State Reports & Child Welfare Data
Generating a State Report
Generate a child welfare report for [STATE]What a State Report Contains
| Section | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Basic Information | Agency name, website, hotline |
| Mandatory Reporting | Who must report, penalties |
| Legal Definitions | How your state defines abuse/neglect |
| Statistics | Children in foster care, substantiation rate |
| Funding | Federal dollars received |
| Process Overview | CPS investigation steps |
Key Metrics to Understand
| Metric | What It Means | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Substantiation Rate | % of reports confirmed as abuse | 20-40% |
| Reunification Rate | % of kids returned to parents | 40-60% |
| Time in Care | Average months in foster care | Lower is better if safe |
| Caseload | Cases per worker | 12-15 recommended; >25 concerning |
Lesson 2.4: Missing Children Database Searches
Search Commands
By State: Search for missing children in Texas By City: Search for missing children from Houston By Name: Search for missing child named [Name] By Date: Search for children missing since January 2024
Categories of Missing Children
| Category | Definition | Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Family Abduction | Taken by family member (custody disputes) | Often cross-state; contact info critical |
| Endangered Runaway | Left voluntarily but at significant risk | Requires sensitive approach |
| Nonfamily Abduction | Taken by someone not related | Highest urgency; time-critical |
| Missing from Care | Foster care runaways | Institutional failures |
DO
- Share official posters (use the poster link)
- Include the correct contact information
- Post in geographically relevant communities
- Update when cases are resolved
DON'T
- Create your own posters with different info
- Speculate about circumstances
- Contact the family directly
- Assume you know more than the official record
Lesson 2.5: Generating Milk Carton Posters
Commands
Create a milk carton poster for [CHILD NAME]
Generate a missing child poster for [CHILD NAME] from [STATE]Sharing Best Practices
| Platform | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Share to local community groups, tag location | |
| Twitter/X | Use hashtags: #MissingChild #AmberAlert #[StateName] |
| Post as image (not story), include contact info in caption | |
| NextDoor | Highly effective for local awareness |
When a Child is Found
- Stop sharing the poster immediately
- Delete active posts if possible
- Remove physical posters you've placed
- Celebrate appropriately: "Great news - [Child] has been found safely"
Module 2 Key Takeaways
- ARIA is accessible via Telegram or Discord
- Use the SPECIFIC framework for better queries
- State reports provide comprehensive overview of child welfare systems
- Always use official posters and contact information
- Remove shared content when children are found
Module 3: Introduction to OSINT
Lesson 3.1: What is OSINT?
OSINT = Open Source INTelligence
Definition: The collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources to produce actionable intelligence.
What OSINT IS vs. IS NOT
| IS OSINT | IS NOT OSINT |
|---|---|
| Searching public records | Hacking into systems |
| Viewing public social media | Accessing private accounts |
| Watching public broadcasts | Wiretapping or surveillance |
| Reading public filings | Stealing documents |
| Research under your own identity | Impersonation or deception |
OSINT vs. Investigation
| OSINT (Volunteers Can Do) | Investigation (Professionals Only) |
|---|---|
| Search public databases | Follow subjects |
| Read publicly posted content | Interview witnesses |
| Aggregate public information | Obtain non-public records |
| Raise awareness based on public facts | Make conclusions about guilt |
The LEGAL Framework
- Legal: Only use legal methods and sources
- Ethical: Consider impact of your actions
- Grounded: Base conclusions on facts, not speculation
- Appropriate: Stay within volunteer scope
- Limited: Know when to stop and hand off
Lesson 3.2: Public vs. Private Information
The Traffic Light System
GREEN LIGHT - Safe to Use
- Government public records
- Published news and official statements
- Content explicitly marked public
- Official organization websites
- Data from PMC's databases
YELLOW LIGHT - Proceed with Caution
- Social media (verify it's truly public)
- Information about minors (extra care)
- Data from third-party aggregators
- Information that could identify victims
RED LIGHT - Do Not Use
- Anything requiring login credentials you don't own
- Private messages or communications
- Information someone asked to be removed
- Sealed or restricted records
- Medical, school, or financial records
Privacy Laws You Should Know
| Law | What It Protects | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| COPPA | Children under 13 online | Don't collect personal info from children |
| HIPAA | Health information | Medical records are always off-limits |
| FERPA | Student records | Don't contact schools for student info |
Module 3 Key Takeaways
- OSINT = intelligence from publicly available sources
- OSINT informs; investigation pursues
- Use the traffic light system: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (stop)
- Extra care is required with any information involving children
- When in doubt, treat it as private
Module 4: Legal & Ethical Guidelines
Lesson 4.1: Legal Boundaries for Volunteers
The Stakes Are High
Crossing legal lines can result in:
- Criminal charges against you personally
- Civil lawsuits from targets of improper investigation
- Destruction of cases - illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible
- Harm to children - if perpetrators are tipped off
- Damage to PMC - loss of credibility
Laws Volunteers Must Know
| Law | What It Prohibits | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Fraud and Abuse Act | Accessing computers without authorization | Up to 10 years federal prison |
| Wiretapping Laws | Recording conversations without consent | Varies by state |
| Anti-Stalking Laws | Following or surveilling someone | Criminal charges |
| Harassment Laws | Repeated unwanted contact | Criminal charges |
| Defamation Laws | False statements harming reputation | Civil liability |
What PMC Volunteers Are Authorized To Do
- Use ARIA to search public databases
- Generate and share milk carton posters
- Create state reports for education
- Present to community groups
- Report concerns to authorities
- Share PMC content on social media
- Train other volunteers
What PMC Volunteers Are NOT Authorized To Do
- Investigate individual cases
- Contact suspects or persons of interest
- Access non-public ARIA features
- Represent yourself as PMC staff
- Make official statements on behalf of PMC
- Accept money for PMC activities
- Conduct surveillance of any kind
Lesson 4.2: Mandatory Reporting Obligations
What is Mandatory Reporting?
Laws requiring certain professionals (and in some states, all adults) to report suspected child abuse or neglect to authorities.
Who is a Mandatory Reporter?
| Profession | Why Included |
|---|---|
| Teachers & school staff | Daily contact with children |
| Doctors, nurses, medical staff | See physical evidence |
| Mental health professionals | Hear disclosures |
| Child care workers | Care for vulnerable children |
| Social workers | Work with families in crisis |
| Law enforcement | Encounter abuse situations |
Universal Reporting States (18 States)
Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
In these states: Any adult who suspects abuse must report.
The Standard: "Reasonable Suspicion"
You don't need proof. You don't need certainty. You need information that would lead a reasonable person to believe abuse or neglect may have occurred.
How to Make a Report
- Know Your Hotline - ARIA can provide your state's hotline
- Provide: Child's name/age/address (if known), nature of suspected abuse, how you came to suspect, your contact information
- Call the hotline - Answer questions honestly
- Document - Note date, time, confirmation number
Reporter Protections
In all 50 states, mandatory reporters who report in good faith are:
- Immune from civil liability
- Immune from criminal liability
- Protected from retaliation (in many states)
Module 4 Key Takeaways
- Good intentions don't make illegal actions legal
- The citizen's role is observe, report, educate - not investigate
- "Reasonable suspicion" is the standard - not proof
- Good faith reporters are legally protected
- When in doubt, stop and ask
Quick Reference Card
Print this and keep with you
ARIA Commands
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| State Report | "Generate a child welfare report for [STATE]" |
| Missing Children | "Search for missing children in [STATE]" |
| CPS Hotline | "What is the CPS hotline for [STATE]?" |
| Milk Carton | "Create a milk carton poster for [CHILD NAME]" |
| Mandatory Reporters | "Who are mandatory reporters in [STATE]?" |
Key Hotlines
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-422-4453 |
| NCMEC (Missing Children) | 1-800-THE-LOST |
| National Runaway Safeline | 1-800-786-2929 |
| Emergency | 911 |
PMC Resources
| Website | projectmilkcarton.org |
| ARIA Bot | @PMC_ARIA_Bot (Telegram) |
| Volunteer Channel | t.me/ProjectMilkCarton |
| Discord | discord.gg/projectmilkcarton |
| Support | support@projectmilkcarton.org |
Emergency Decision Tree
See something concerning about a child?
|
v
Is the child in immediate danger?
| |
YES NO
| |
v v
Call 911 Can you identify
immediately reasonable suspicion?
|
YES | NO
| | |
v | v
Call CPS | Document,
Hotline | continue
| monitoring
v
If unsure, call
CPS anyway - they
screen reports
Project Milk Carton | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Curriculum Version 1.0 | January 2026