It is a shame Tiffany has fallen through the cracks and bless you for bringing her back to the forefront.
There is nothing like getting your feet wet
Calling LE is actually pretty easy once you get your nerve up
Generally I say something like the following: May I please speak to the officer in charge of the Tiffany Roberts case? Then when they come on the line, I introduce myself and explain that I am a member of webforum that works to match UIDs with missing people. Explain that you came across Tiffany's case and that you would like more information such as: does she have any scars, where was she last seen, does she have siblings, does she have DNA in Codis? DNA is very important and if Tiffany's DNA is not in Codis, ask LE if they would like our help in getting them a DNA kit. At this point, the only DNA we might get is mitochrodial, but that's okay. Also ask if anything else that might come to mind that would help to match this baby up with any UIDs. Also, ask generally what LE thinks might have happened to her and if there is anything else they can tell you. Ask, if you have a possible match, who it should be sent to - try to get a name and an email address.
There are more tips and info in the Lighting the Way Home area of the forum. You might want to take a look around there and see what you find.
Getting the baby's DNA in Codis could be very important for a couple of reasons: it might give LE an excuse to visit the mom and ask for her DNA and of course, it could help in identification if a UID is found.
As for the newspaper, can you search by date? There must have been at least one story written about Tiffany - at least one? Have you tried searching her name in the archives? It would be good to know the mom's name also - my thought is that the last names were different. Not sure why I think that, but I do.
Generally - LE is very helpful and cooperative. Once in awhile you will come across someone who is not very receptive and then you have to use your wit and humor to try to win them over to your side. I find using email is very helpful - easier for them and less stressful for us.
What do you think? Feel like giving it a shot? I'm off phone calls until my DH goes back to work on Jan. 5th. But, I will certainly help after that, if you don't want to make the call. If I get sidetracked from the thread, just send me a pm. I am generally on WS everyday.
Salem
