combating child trafficking by addressing statues regarding missing kids
We are working to increase our government advocacy efforts! MissingNoMore is working on drafting legislation that:
- Eliminates the designation of “runaway,”
- Creates consequences for people who harbor a missing child in a way that obstructs a missing child investigation,
- Increases law enforcement requirements for missing child investigations, and
- Encourages law enforcement’s collaboration with non-government vendors such as private investigators and nonprofit organizations.
In October 2025, during a closed door discussion between DCS, law enforcement, and legislators (according to a report from ABC15), it was reported that there was a decision to change the designation of “runaways” to simply “missing children” in the DCS guidelines—the meeting and resulting change occurred because of the tragic murder of three foster children who were wrongly classified as willing runaways. I believe that the removal of the designation from DCS guidelines is a healthy step in the right direction; but, making changes to only the DCS rule book (while a step in the right direction) is insufficient in addressing the extent of the issue statewide. The reality is that:
- Nationally, 93% of missing children are designated as “runaways,”
- 75% of all sex trafficking cases nationwide involved victims who were minors,
- In more than 50% of reported sex trafficking cases the victims were minors who were designated by law enforcement to be “runaways,”
- Studies of sex trafficking cases nationwide found that the recruitment tactics traffickers focused on runaways; child traffickers utilized the ruse of friendship, romance, giving a place to stay to the victim, and promises of wealth,
- Based on gross numbers, Arizona is listed as the 5th worst in the matter of missing children, and
- In Arizona, the per capita rates for missing children are more than twice the national average making us 2nd worst in the country on a per capita basis.
Regardless of these realities, it is official law enforcement policy in Arizona (and across the country) that all search and rescue efforts for children designated as “runaways” be the entire responsibility of parents—the child’s name is added to a database, but no active search or investigation is conducted. This is the unacceptable reality for 93% of missing kids and their families. We are doing what we can to change that! We are working to advocate for changes in the state’s position (legislatively as well as in regard to law enforcement policy) on “runaways.” Instead of labeling missing children as “runaways,” missing is missing; it is the position of MissingNoMore that all missing children are truly missing, in danger, and in deserved need of our help.
More information and first-hand accounts from families are coming. So, please, stay tuned. Again, for better or worse, politics matters; and, we, unfortunately, must remain informed and engaged. The Church must lead the fight and speak for the least of these. MissingNoMore will need your voice, your help, and your support.
Related Article: Arguing for Improved Legislation