Which agency maintains the Child Recognition Identification System (CRIS)?

The Child Recognition Identification System (CRIS) is maintained by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). This agency plays a critical role in the protection and advocacy for children who are missing or have been exploited.

NCMEC's responsibility includes providing resources for law enforcement, families, and the public to help prevent child abductions and to assist in the recovery of missing children. CRIS serves as a vital tool in this mission by providing a database that helps in the identification of children and facilitates information sharing among relevant agencies.

While other agencies like the FBI, ICE, and DEA have important roles in law enforcement and public safety, they do not specifically manage the CRIS program, which is focused on the unique needs of child identification and recovery efforts. This distinct mission of addressing child safety and exploitation aligns directly with the core objectives of NCMEC, solidifying its position as the correct answer.