Authorities urge parents and guardians to act immediately if a child goes missing. Law enforcement officials say quick reporting is critical and can significantly increase the chances of safely locating a child.
If a child disappears:
Officials say children who run away are especially vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and other dangers, making swift action essential.
Coordinated efforts recovering children statewide
State officials recently highlighted the importance of rapid reporting and collaboration after 160 missing children and teenagers were located through coordinated recovery operations across New York.
The efforts – led by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services Missing Persons Clearinghouse and the National Child Protection Task Force – included large-scale operations in Westchester County, Erie County and the Capital Region.
Most recently, 43 children were located during a three-day operation in Westchester. Many of the children found statewide were considered runaways and were at risk of exploitation or harm.
Missing children in New York
Thousands of children are reported missing in New York each year. In 2025 alone, 10,629 children under 18 were reported missing statewide. By year’s end, 1,079 cases remained active. Officials say about 94% of missing children cases involve runaways.
“Every missing child case represents a young person who deserves to be safe, supported and seen,” DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Missing children in New York: What to do if your child goes missing
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
