Vanishing Innocence: Missouri's Missing Children Crisis

Missouri is facing a troubling crisis as a significant number of children in state care go missing, raising serious concerns about the well-being and safety of these vulnerable minors. The state's child protection agency has reported that 90 children were missing last month, a disturbing trend that advocates say is jeopardizing the lives of those entrusted to the state's oversight.

Uncovering the Alarming Trend of Missing Children in Missouri

The Heartbreaking Story of Kierra's Daughter

Kierra, a concerned mother, reached out to First Alert 4 Investigates about her missing daughter, a cheerful child who had descended into a troubled teenager grappling with mental health issues. Kierra's daughter had experienced numerous hospital stays, with in-patient facilities informing her that beds were reserved for children in state custody. Faced with this, Kierra made the difficult decision to place her daughter into the state's protective custody, hoping she would receive the necessary care and support.However, Kierra's hopes were shattered as she witnessed her daughter run away from state custody multiple times, with the state agency's children's division failing to provide a secure placement or adequate protection. Kierra's daughter had run away five times since being in the state's custody, and on one occasion, Kierra found her daughter in a vulnerable state, dressed in inappropriate clothing and appearing to have been involved in risky behavior.

The Alarming Statistics of Missing Children in Missouri

State data reviewed by First Alert 4 Investigates revealed that 90 children were reported as runaways in May alone, with 37 of them from the St. Louis region. Experts caution that the reliability of these figures remains a concern, as the true extent of the problem may be even more severe.Amy Robbins, from the Children's Advocacy Center of Greater St. Louis, highlighted the grave risks faced by runaway children, stating that one in six runaways becomes a victim of sex trafficking. Robbins emphasized that perpetrators actively seek out these vulnerable children, identifying them as potential victims.

The Responsibility and Accountability of State Leaders

State Senator Karla May expressed her shock and concern upon learning the full extent of the missing children crisis in Missouri. She questioned who would be held responsible if a child in state custody were to be trafficked, killed, or subjected to other forms of harm.Efforts to contact the Department of Social Services for comment were declined, but the department did provide a statement acknowledging the ongoing crisis with runaways in the St. Louis region. They claimed to be actively seeking solutions to mitigate the issue and have hired four new investigators to focus on preventive measures, locating missing children swiftly, and working closely with law enforcement and community resources.

The Disproportionate Impact on Children of Color

Experts in the field expressed concern about the disproportionate number of children of color who go missing in Missouri. This issue is not unique to the state, as it reflects a broader trend observed across the country. In response, California recently passed a law called Ebony Alert, which is similar to an Amber Alert but specifically designed to address the disappearance of young people with mental or physical disabilities.

The Ongoing Struggle and Uncertain Future

Since First Alert 4 first interviewed Kierra, her daughter has continued to run away multiple times, with the most recent incident involving her being found at a hospital in Chicago. Kierra remains hopeful that her daughter is now receiving the necessary help, but she is still concerned about the possibility of her running away again.The crisis of missing children in Missouri's state care is a complex and multifaceted issue that demands urgent attention and action from state leaders. The well-being and safety of these vulnerable children must be the top priority, and comprehensive solutions are needed to address the underlying challenges and ensure that no child falls through the cracks.