ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21, 2025 -- Every May 25, the nation observes National Missing Children's Day, a powerful reminder of the thousands of children who vanish each year and we honor the unwavering courage and hope of the families, law enforcement, and communities fighting tirelessly to bring them home.
The day was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to honor the memory of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared from a New York City street on May 25, 1979. Etan's case captured national attention and sparked a broad conversation about child safety ultimately leading to the creation of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 1984.
Since its founding, NCMEC has assisted in the recovery of more than 450,000 missing children cases, achieving a 91% recovery rate in 2024. These milestones reflect the collective impact of law enforcement, communities, families, and everyday citizens who refuse to give up on our missing children.
In 2024, NCMEC marked 40 years of service, commemorating key moments that have shaped the national response to child abduction and exploitation. From the groundbreaking 1981 symposium on missing and murdered children, organized with the help of civil rights advocate Ozell Sutton to missing children featured on milk cartons, NCMEC has been at the forefront of innovation and relentless advocacy.
Today, the landscape continues to evolve with emerging threats requiring new strategies and vigilance. In 2024, NCMEC saw an alarming increase of reports related to online enticement. This crime involves an adult communicating with a child for sexual purposes and includes sextortion. In 2024, NCMEC received more than 546,000 reports concerning online enticement - a 192% increase compared to reports in 2023.
NCMEC remains committed to leading the fight to safeguard our nation's most vulnerable, but we cannot do it alone.
How You Can Make a Difference
- Share: Share a poster of missing children from your area on social media using #MissingChildrensDay
- Educate: Talk with your children about personal safety and online risks. Visit missingkids.org/netsmartz
- Report: If you have information about a missing child, call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
By raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts, we can help protect children and reunite families—not only on May 25, but every day.
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