In 1992, I was a missing person and dubbed as a “runaway.” He cut and died my hair, and I was given another name. When I finally came home, I had to redefine who I was as a person, what I believed in, what I knew to be true and not true. I had to heal from a town of speculation and judgement, everyone had their own questions and opinions.
We can turn the rising tide of child trafficking, missing vulnerable children, and child sexual exploitation. It is a matter that demands our attention and efforts; this necessary action requires reviewing and auditing policies, procedures, and legislation involving missing children.
“Let Drake’s name mean something more than loss. Let it mean change.” ~ Ali K—
It is more than apparent statistically and anecdotally that Arizona families of missing children need to be provided with legislation that equips and enables local law enforcement to combat the issue of child trafficking and exploitation. This necessary action requires reviewing and auditing policies, procedures, and legislation involving missing children.
It is the position of MissingNoMore that all missing children are truly missing, in danger, and in deserved need of our help. And, because of that position, we are working to increase our government advocacy efforts to improve statutes regarding missing children.
The Az House Judiciary discussed the proposed HB2720. This proposal amends the language of the current prostitution statute by proposing the addition of felony consequences for “buyers.” Whether understood by the committee or not, HB2720 is a step in the right direction for missing kids.
It is well understood that technology has advanced, ever and onward, beyond our understanding and preparedness. But, do you know all the places where your child could have conversations with strangers? While an initial reaction may be to attempt to restrict and forbid engagement in such arenas, complete avoidance may not be entirely possible; the genie, so to speak, has already been released from the lamp. And, yet, there are an estimated 500,000 predators online every day specifically targeting and soliciting children.
How we vote matters and our vote results in tangible consequences; but, most importantly, if we want to make a difference, if we want to prevent further traumas, we must make action and prevention our responsibility. We cannot delegate responsibility to municipalities and so find ourselves in dereliction of Christian duty.