President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that the US government will better address the needs of families whose loved ones are being held hostage overseas.
He said the US would continue its policy of not paying a government ransom, but that families would be better supported and not abandoned.
Obama's remarks at the White House on Wednesday came as he announced the results of a six-month review of hostage policies.
The review was prompted by families who complained about threats of prosecution - and about sparse, confusing and sometimes contradictory information from the government.