Activation of the alert system is required when the local agency believes that a child has been abducted, is younger than 14, AND has been taken from the care or custody of the child's parent or legal guardian without the permission.

• A. The child is older than 18
• B. The child is missing but not abducted
• C. The child is younger than 14 and abducted from the care or custody without permission
• D. The child is younger than 14 and abducted from the care or custody without permission

Answer: (D)

Activation occurs when a local agency believes a child has been abducted, is younger than 14, and has been taken from the care or custody of the child’s parent or legal guardian without permission. This exact combination— under-14 age, abduction from the guardian’s custody, and lack of permission—triggers the alert system because it signals a high-risk, time-sensitive situation needing rapid public notification. The scenario that fits all three elements is the one that activates the alert. Options that involve an older child or merely a missing situation without abduction (or without taking from the guardian’s custody) do not meet the trigger criteria.