FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Elizabeth Smart's father has been calling for the U.S. to adopt a national system to alert the public about child abductions called the Amber Alert system. Massachusetts has the system, but advocates are saying there needs to be a broader national network in place.

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Parents Pushing For National Amber Alert System

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that the Amber Alert system was adopted by Massachusetts five months ago. State Police will alert the public if a child has been kidnapped, broadcasting messages to radio and TV stations across the commonwealth. But not all states have the system, which makes it difficult to track abducted children across state lines.

"I'm calling on Congress and I'm calling on them to pass the Amber Alert now. Children cannot afford [Congress] fumbling around and that's what [Congress is] doing. I got Elizabeth back but there are many parents out there that do not have their children back," said Ed Smart.

The Bay State parents of Molly Bish, from Warren, Mass., have been waiting three years for the return of their daughter, Molly, a 16-year-old who was last seen at her lifeguard job at a local pond. Her parents are hoping for the same kind of miracle experienced by the Smarts.

"We just are extremely happy for them. They have this opportunity to heal. And we're going to continue to pray for them and send our love. When I heard that the father got in to see her and to hold her -- that might be a message to take today, and everybody hold their child and know how precious they are," said Magi Bish.

The Bishes met the Smarts in Washington, D.C. while both families were lobbying for a national Amber Alert system, named after a child from Texas, Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and murdered seven years ago. An Amber Alert system coordinates law enforcement and media outlets, getting the word out immediately after an abduction.

"We really need it to bring our missing children home and to bring a child home safe. This is a big victory," said John Bish.

There was no Amber Alert system when Molly Bish disappeared. Since it has been adopted in several states it has been credited with saving the lives of 19 children.