A recent poster contest and the observance of National Missing Children’s Day reminds us that hundreds of children across the nation are missing.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) maintains a list of missing children. That database can be accessed at www.missingkids.org and searched by state. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any of these missing persons should contact a law enforcement agency or call 800-KS-CRIME (800-572-7463).
The NCMEC list currently includes the names, photographs and other information about the 78 children missing from Kansas. They include Colton Barrera, missing from Russell since 2008, when he was 16 or 17. Most of the missing children are teenagers who have gone missing more recently, but there are also little ones such as Ramon Gomez, now 4 years old, missing from Wichita since Aug. 18, 2020.
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt represents the National Association of Attorneys General as a member of NCMEC’s Law Enforcement Advisory Council. Schmidt, along with KBI Director Kirk Thompson, recently announced the winner of the 2021 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest: Heidy Perez Veleta, a fifth-grade student at Sunnyside Elementary in Dodge City. Miss Veleta was previously announced the state winner, which qualified her for the national competition.
The annual poster contest is held in recognition of National Missing Children’s Day, observed annually on May 25 since it was first designated by President Ronald Reagan.
Students all across the country entered artwork representing the theme, “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The poster contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement and child advocates to discuss the issue of missing and/or exploited children with youth, parents and guardians and to promote child safety. It also brings attention to the united goal of bringing missing children home safely.
“Communication is key to ensuring our children have the tools they need to stay safe,” Schmidt said. “It’s important for parents to put a safety plan in place and regularly take time to review it with your kids. National Missing Children’s Day is a good reminder to have those important conversations, and I encourage all Kansans to do so.”
Schmidt also reminded parents of the importance of keeping identifying information on children up-to-date in the event a child does become missing. Having an identity kit with the child’s fingerprints, height, weight, and a current photo can make it easier to quickly locate a missing child.
The National Child Identification Program (childidprogram.com) offers prevention tips for parents, including things all children should be taught, such as their full name, address and telephone number, including area code.
We join Attorney General Schmidt is encouraging parents to take time to teach their children how to be safe.
