Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the 2024 Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report this week, highlighting the state’s efforts to keep children safe and the challenges law enforcement faces when kids go missing.
“Every missing person is someone to somebody — a child, sibling, loved one or friend,” Yost said. “I’m proud of the dedication shown by Ohio law enforcement and promise that my office will continue to do everything in its power to support that mission.”
The report reveals that 16,404 children were reported missing in Ohio last year — about 1,000 fewer than in 2023. The good news is that 96.5% of those kids (15,834) were safely found by year’s end. Unfortunately, three were found deceased.
Here in Scioto County, 67 missing children reports were filed in 2023. While that number may sound alarming, many of these reports involve children who repeatedly run away from group homes — often the same child going missing multiple times.
Experts and child welfare advocates say kids in group homes often run for a variety of reasons — some are trying to escape difficult or traumatic pasts, while others may be struggling with mental health challenges, substance use, or a deep desire to reconnect with family or familiar surroundings. Many feel isolated or disconnected, and leaving the home feels like their only option.
The Missing Children Clearinghouse Report is the result of cooperation between local law enforcement and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a national database run by the U.S. Department of Justice. When a child is reported missing, the case is entered into the NCIC system and updated when the child is found.
Statewide Numbers Tell a Bigger Story
- 8,415 cases were classified as runaways — kids who left home without permission.
- 37 cases involved children abducted by a noncustodial parent.
- 9 involved abductions by strangers.
In 2023, Ohio also issued:
- 13 AMBER Alerts involving 15 children. Fourteen were found safe; sadly, one child died.
- 17 Endangered Missing Child Alerts involving 18 children. Seventeen were found safe; one was found deceased.
The annual report is not only a tool for transparency but also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to keep Ohio’s children safe — and the importance of community awareness, especially in places like Scioto County where vulnerable kids may be more at risk.