National Missing Children's Day | 2024 Commemoration | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

On May 22, 2024, OJJDP honored the heroic and exemplary efforts of organizations and individuals to protect children at the 41st annual National Missing Children's Day commemoration.

OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan hosted the event at the Office of Justice Programs in Washington, DC.

Event speakers also included Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon; National Center for Missing & Exploited Children President and CEO Michelle C. DeLaune; and Patty Wetterling, parent advocate and mother of Jacob Wetterling.

Office of Justice Programs Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon

"Every day, we are inspired by the dedication and unwavering efforts of those who work to find and help missing children, and to hold those who commit child sexual abuse and crimes against children legally responsible for their actions," said Assistant Attorney General Solomon. "Our resolve and collective commitment to the safety and welfare of America’s youth remains unparalleled."

Administrator Ryan presented commendations to Special Agent Aisha Rahman, Homeland Security Investigations and Detective Malory Wildove, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, both of West Palm Beach, FL. Read more about the Special Commendation award recipients.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children President and CEO Michelle C. DeLaune

"The emotional toll of a missing child reverberates throughout our communities, impacting parents, caregivers and families—truly, all of us," said Administrator Ryan. "Today, we pause to recognize individuals who have made a difference; their work brings healing and reminds us that there is more work to be done to bring every child home."

The annual commemoration also highlights the artwork of a fifth grader as part of the National Missing Children's Day poster contest. Hanna L., of Chesnee, SC, was named the winner of the contest. Read more about the 2024 winning poster.

Patty Wetterling, parent advocate and mother of Jacob Wetterling

OJJDP extended this year's event to include a panel discussion on children missing or abducted from state social service agencies. The panel featured five experts representing the federal, state, local, non-governmental and lived experience perspectives of child and youth services.

Panelists addressed issues and challenges associated with children going missing from care, including risk factors, common vulnerabilities and strategies for reducing occurrences and enhancing child protection through stakeholder collaboration.

Date Created: May 21, 2024