About Missing Children's Day
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children's Day in memory of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Each year, the U.S. Department of Justice commemorates Missing Children's Day by honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.
National Missing Children's Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to prioritize child safety. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and an occasion to honor those dedicated to this cause.
Featured Resources
Justice Explained: National Missing Children's Day
This episode of Justice Explained covers National Missing Children’s Day, observed each year on May 25, which encourages individuals and organizations concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.
See the YouTube Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy
How OJJDP Programs Help Find Missing Children
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention supports law enforcement and multi-agency teams through training, certifications and the AMBER Alert system to prepare them for responding to missing children cases.
