When a child goes missing, families expect authorities to use every resource to find them. That expectation often includes an Amber Alert, lighting up smart phones for miles with details about the missing child.  But Amber Alerts are extremely rare and, even when they are used, a USA TODAY analysis found it’s unclear how much they help bring children home safe. And even though Black children receive Amber Alerts at about the same rate they are reported missing, reporters found the alerts are far less likely to play a part in finding them. Eugene Bynum Jr.’s toddler grandson, King Walker, disappeared in Gary, Indiana, in 2015 and is still missing. Records show the state turned down a local police request for an Amber Alert in the case because it didn’t meet criteria. Bynum said police told him they needed a license plate number. Since last spring, as part of its ongoing project to examine disparities in how cases of missing children are handled, USA TODAY has been analyzing detailed data on Amber Alerts. Our reporters also interviewed families, police and experts. Visit the link in bio to read their stories.