What age limit is specified for an individual to qualify for an Amber Alert?

An Amber Alert is a system designed to notify the public about a child who has been abducted and is believed to be in imminent danger. The criteria for issuing an Amber Alert typically include the age of the child, with the standard being that the child is under 18 years old. This age limit is set to ensure that the alert system is used specifically for minors who are considered particularly vulnerable and at risk.

The specified age of under 18 years encompasses all children and young teenagers, making it comprehensive for the protection of youth. This policy ensures that the resources and public attention can be focused on the most at-risk population, as research typically shows that younger individuals are more susceptible to abduction.

The other options, while they present age limits, do not align with the broad criteria established by Amber Alert systems. These limits either narrow the age range and exclude older minors, which could leave some at-risk youth unreported, or they extend the age too far, including individuals who are no longer minors and typically not covered under such alerts.