Which age group qualifies for an Amber Alert?

The correct choice is based on the specific legal definitions and criteria established for issuing an Amber Alert. Amber Alerts are designed to quickly disseminate information about abducted minors to enlist public help in their recovery. The age threshold for issuing an Amber Alert typically includes minors who are 17 years of age and younger. This is because the program is focused on protecting children and ensuring their safety during critical situations such as abduction.

Selecting the age of 17 and under precisely targets the demographic that is most vulnerable and aligns with the legal protections for minors. The choice that limits the age range to under 18, while close, is broader than the legally defined under-17 age group, which is considered in the criteria for Amber Alerts. Additionally, the options suggesting qualifications for minors under 21 do not reflect the specific intentions of an Amber Alert, which is focused on younger children who are generally viewed as needing more immediate intervention. Similarly, the option that restricts the alert to only children under 12 does not encompass all eligible minors as defined by the Amber Alert system, which includes those up to 17 years old.