47 Missing Children Found: What It Reveals About a Nationwide Crisis
Source: http://ncptf.org
When people hear that 47 missing children were located in Erie County, New York, the first reaction is often disbelief. How is that even possible? Why wasn’t I aware of 47 missing kids? These are understandable questions, and they highlight the complexities of how missing child cases are reported, handled, and prioritized across the country.
One of the most surprising facts is that Amber Alerts are issued for less than 1% of missing children. To qualify, a case must meet strict criteria, including clear evidence of an abduction, imminent danger to the child, and enough identifying details to aid recovery efforts. While Amber Alerts are highly effective, they apply to only a small fraction of cases. That means most missing children—runaways, those lured away, or those whose circumstances don’t meet the criteria—receive little to no public attention.
This lack of visibility leads to a dangerous misconception: if a child isn’t the subject of an Amber Alert, their case isn’t urgent. In reality, all missing children are at risk. Runaways, in particular, face alarming dangers. Over 90% of missing child reports received by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) each year involve runaways, and 1 in 7 of those children is likely a victim of child sex trafficking.
Read more of the story here: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/what-47-missing-kids-reveal-about-a-nationwide-crisis/
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