There’s been a lot of conversation on the Scioto County Daily News Facebook page lately about the number of missing teens. Some people are asking, “What’s the big deal?” or saying, “They’re probably just runaways, not really missing.” But here’s the truth: when a teenager runs away in southern Ohio—especially in Scioto County—they are at serious risk, and it’s not something we should brush off.
Just Because They’re Teenagers Doesn’t Mean They’re Safe
Some folks think, “Well, they’re 15 or 16—not little kids.” But that doesn’t mean they’re safe. In fact, older teens are often more heavily targeted by predators—especially human traffickers. These criminals know that teens who run away, especially those without a stable home or family support, are easier to lure in.
In Scioto County, we sit at the crossroads of major highways like U.S. 23 and U.S. 52. That makes it a prime location for traffickers to travel through—and to pick up vulnerable youth. Some teens are groomed and convinced they’ve met a friend or someone who cares, when really they’re being set up for exploitation. This happens fast. The first 48 hours after a teen disappears are critical.
Group Homes Are Part of the Story
It’s no secret that Scioto County has several group homes and foster placements for youth. A lot of the missing teens reported here are from those facilities. These kids may run away for different reasons—they could be trying to get back to family, escaping a bad situation, or just looking for independence. But once they’re gone, they often don’t have a safe place to go. And without support, they’re at the mercy of people who might want to take advantage of them.
Ohio has been struggling with an overwhelmed foster care system, and group homes in counties like ours are dealing with high turnover, limited staff, and not enough mental health support. These issues make it harder to keep kids safe—and easier for them to slip through the cracks.
Scioto County Has a Track Record
This isn’t just hypothetical. Law enforcement and advocacy groups in Scioto County have confirmed that missing teens from our area have been found in other states, caught up in trafficking situations. In some cases, they’re moved across state lines within days of going missing. That’s not exaggeration—it’s what’s actually happening.
Sheriff’s departments, juvenile officers, and child protective services in southern Ohio are working hard—but they’re also overwhelmed. What they need is public support, not skepticism.
Let’s Take It Seriously
Saying “it’s just another runaway” is dangerous thinking. Every child who disappears deserves our full attention—whether they’re 5, 15, or 17. They are someone’s son, daughter, sibling, or friend. Dismissing their case could mean missing the chance to get them help before it’s too late.
If you see a missing teen posted on a local page, don’t scroll past. Share it. Say a prayer. Keep your eyes open. And above all—take it seriously. One share could bring a child home.
