More than three dozen children and teenagers reported missing in Westchester County were located during a three-day, large-scale recovery operation.
In total, 43 children and teens who had been reported missing to police were found through the Westchester Missing Child Rescue Operation.
The effort involved more than 70 government and nonprofit agencies, including the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
State officials said the children were considered runaways and were at risk of exploitation, endangerment or harm.
Children considered vulnerable to exploitation
“Many people don’t realize that children who run away are among the most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, which makes urgency and coordination essential,” said Kevin Branzetti, co-founder and CEO of the National Child Protection Task Force.
The children located ranged in age from 8 to 17 years old at the time they were reported missing, according to DCJS.
“Sometimes, the unthinkable happens and a child goes missing, placing them in the worst of situations,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Although investigations of missing and exploited children are difficult, acts that threaten the well-being of children are unconscionable. Interagency operations such as this are crucial, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the children of New York.”
Missing children statistics statewide
Last year, 10,629 children under 18 were reported missing to police across New York state. By the end of 2025, there were 1,079 active missing children cases, representing about 10% of cases reported that year.
According to police, 94% of children and teens reported missing in 2025 were classified as runaways.
“Every missing child case represents a young person who deserves to be safe, supported and seen,” DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said in a news release. “This operation brought together an extraordinary group of law enforcement, nonprofit and private partners to share information, pursue new leads and connect children with the services they need.”
Third large-scale recovery effort
This marks the third operation led by the DCJS Missing Persons Clearinghouse and the National Child Protection Task Force. Previous efforts in Erie County and the Capital Region located more than 115 missing children combined. With the Westchester operation included, authorities say 160 missing young people have been located through these coordinated efforts.
What to do if a child goes missing
Authorities urge anyone reporting a missing child to:
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 43 missing children found in Westchester during major rescue operation
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
