Ohio AG Releases 2024 Missing Children Report Showing High Recovery Rate

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the 2024 Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report in recognition of National Missing Children’s Day on May 25, revealing that 21,342 people were reported missing in Ohio last year, including 16,404 children, marking decreases from 2023. Of the missing children, 96.5% were safely recovered, though three children were found deceased. The report detailed 13 AMBER Alerts involving 15 children and 17 Endangered Missing Child Alerts involving 18 children, with most children recovered safely. The data is compiled through a collaboration between local law enforcement and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), operated by the U.S. Department of Justice, and is used to raise awareness and support efforts to locate missing children. Franklin County reported the highest number of missing children, and the majority of missing children were between ages 13 and 17. Attorney General Yost praised law enforcement's dedication to child safety and committed to continuing support for these efforts.