Heather Dark is the Chief Strategy Officer at the National Child Protection Task Force. Drawing on her background in nonprofit management, communications, and strategic growth, Heather is leading initiatives that scale NCPTF’s efforts to recover even more missing, exploited, & trafficked children each year.
Our team began this year asking “how is the NCPTF most valuable to the communities we serve?” What rang true for everyone on our team was unsurprising: We are, first and foremost, a task force dedicated to helping law enforcement bring missing kids home.
Our rapid response case assistance support is available for law enforcement whenever a child goes missing in America. We collaborate closely with investigating officers, leveraging our specialized skills alongside their case knowledge to accelerate efforts. In 2024, approximately 40% of our investigative requests were supplied in this manner, underscoring the significance of our rapid-response capability.
The past year has taught us that true service involves not just the relentless pursuit of our mission but the grace to evolve as well. We aim to grow in both size and purpose, driven by the belief that together, we can bring even more missing kids home.
We have identified a clear pathway to help recover more vulnerable missing children with speed and precision. And as a result, we have spent the last year developing additional support options for law enforcement. We are so fortunate to be able to continue to provide the specialized skills, intelligence, support, and resources the NCPTF is known for while evolving to begin to address some of the systemic challenges we see that hold back investigations and contribute to case backlogs in communities across America. Through strong partnerships, we’re empowering investigators with the support, expertise, and innovative tools they need to solve cases faster. And our commitment extends beyond recovery; we’re also forging meaningful connections with community partners to ensure children and families can access comprehensive care, follow-up support, and the resources necessary to create a safer, more secure future.
Our mission is to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve— and with this new expansion, we’re elevating our efforts to unprecedented levels: reaching more children, supporting more law enforcement, and helping advance more investigations than ever before.
Because when a child’s safety is at stake, nothing matters more than getting it right. That’s why we’re investing deeply in strengthening our foundation, ensuring that as we grow, we stay as resilient and committed as the communities that rely on us.
We’re honored to have you with us on this journey— together, we’re making a difference that truly matters.
Join us.
If you’re looking to make a bigger impact with NCPTF, there’s never been a better time than now. Reach out for a conversation about how you fit in to the future of NCPTF.
