INS 2018
 

INS 2018 Keynote Speaker

Elizabeth Smart
Saturday, May 19, 2018 | 9:00 AM



The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth was abducted on June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police safely returned Elizabeth back to her family on March 12, 2003, after being held prisoner for 9 grueling months. Through this traumatic experience, Elizabeth has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs, and national legislation. Elizabeth triumphantly testified before her captors and the world about the very private nightmare she suffered, which ultimately lead to 2 convictions.

The Founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation,” Elizabeth has helped promote The National AMBER Alert, The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act, and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions. She has also chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, “My Story.” Elizabeth’s abduction and recovery continues to motivate parents, law enforcement, and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. She emphasizes vigilance by "every day" people and the belief that hope always exists to find every missing child.