When was the AMBER alert program established?

The AMBER Alert program was established in 1996 as a response mechanism to quickly disseminate information about abducted children to the public. The program was named in memory of Amber Hagerman, a young girl who was abducted and murdered in Texas. In recognition of its significance and the need for a coordinated response, it set a foundation for many local, state, and national child abduction alert systems. The national expansion and formalization of the alerts took place in subsequent years, but the initial program's inception dates back to 1996. Therefore, the correct answer demonstrates an understanding of its origin when discussing the AMBER Alert's impact on child safety initiatives.