In a missing child record, what does NCS recommend adding in the a.k.a. field of the supplemental record?

Including a mother's maiden name in the a.k.a. field of a supplemental missing child record is recommended because it serves as an additional identifier for the child. This information can be crucial in distinguishing the child from others who may have similar names. Having the mother's maiden name helps law enforcement and other agencies quickly establish connections and verify identities during investigations, which can expedite the process of locating the child.

Other categories, such as the father’s name or last known address, may not function effectively as alternate names in the context of a missing child record. These may provide background or situational context but do not serve the same purpose as an alias. A birth certificate number, while useful for official identification, is less practical for immediate reference or use by agencies during active searches. Hence, the inclusion of the mother's maiden name is the most strategic choice for enhancing the child’s identification in the system.