National Missing Children’s Day

24
May

Six year old Etan Patz was sent to school May 25, 1979 – and was never seen again. After 22 years of searching for the missing boy, he was legally declared dead in 2001. In November of 2012 Pedro Hernandez was formally charged with Patz’s kidnaping and murder. This horrific incident happens all too often to children around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the United States alone there are an average of 2,185 children reported missing every year.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children hosts “National Missing Children’s Day” on May 25 each year, in remembrance of Etan and children alike. This day was first observed in 1983 after a proclamation by President Ronald Regan. It is the hope of NCMEC that this day will raise the awareness about the threat of child abduction, and enlighten families on how to keep their children safe. The NCMEC encourages parents, guardians, and teachers to “Take 25” – a time in which adults take at least 25 minutes on this day to discuss with children the importance of safety. This nationwide observance is also a way in which we can support and comfort the families of these victims.

 

In the case of international adoption, MLJ places the safety of a child at the top of our list. It is our mission to provide adoption services to prospective adoptive parents in light of the best interests of the child and in an ethical and legal manner. As a Hague Approved agency, it is not only our goal, but our duty “to take measures to ensure that inter country adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children.”

 

Though not all abductions end in happily ever after, hope remains. As was the case for three young women who had been missing for 10 years – they were found alive and in fair condition at a home in Cleveland, Ohio. One victim’s cousin shared her insight to a mother’s intuition: “she could feel it, a link a mom can feel, but she always believed Gina was alive and well.” So great to hear these women are healthy, and reunited with their families!

 

We hope that on Satuday, May 25th you can take a bit of time out of the day to talk your children about good safety habits. Take 25, with a focus on prevention, offers resources and saftey tips that you can share with your children.

 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

For more information about MLJ Adoptions’ international adoption programs, please click here.

Jordan Kelly is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business where she majored in Marketing. As an assistant at MLJ Adoptions, Jordan does everything from event planning and managing social media, to writing blogs and designing advertisements.