In an inspiring and first-of-its-kind effort, over 60 missing children and teenagers have been found and brought back safely, thanks to a powerful collaboration in the Capital Region Missing Child Rescue Operation.
This large-scale mission was led by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). It was done in partnership with the Office of Children and Family Services and the National Child Protection Task Force. Together, they worked closely with more than 60 law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and federal partners. Their main goal was to find missing children who were at risk of serious harm, exploitation, or trafficking.
A Joint Effort Like Never Before
For three intense days, police teams in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy joined hands with federal officers and non-government organizations (NGOs). They reviewed old case files, followed up on new leads, and used advanced technology to trace these missing children.
This special operation focused mainly on runaway children, as they are at the highest risk of falling into human trafficking, abuse, and dangerous situations.
Here’s what was achieved:
🔹 Albany Police Department solved 40 cases
🔹 Troy Police Department solved 11 cases
🔹 Schenectady Police Department solved 5 cases
🔹 Colonie Police Department also located a missing vulnerable adult
The children and teens who were rescued were originally reported missing at ages between 2 and 17 years old. By the time they were found, their ages ranged from 6 to 21 years old.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Operation Matters
To put things into perspective, last year alone, over 12,000 children under the age of 18 were reported missing in New York State. Shockingly, about 95% of them were labeled as runaways.
Many of these young people had run away from group homes, foster care, or troubled households, making them extremely vulnerable. Without support, they are easily targeted by criminals, traffickers, and abusers.
But this operation was not just about finding them—it was about giving them a fresh start and ensuring their safety for the future.
Supporting Children Beyond Rescue
Rescuing these children is only the first step.
The Office of Children and Family Services, along with several local victim assistance programs, made sure that each child received proper counseling, healthcare, housing assistance, and other support services.
On top of that, thanks to donations from companies like Cash App, Square, Penlink, and Target (Niskayuna branch), each rescued child was given gift cards for food, clothing, and other basic needs to help them restart their lives.
A Word from the Authorities
DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado highlighted the importance of these rescue operations. She stated:
“These efforts have helped locate dozens of missing children from Western New York and the Capital Region. We will continue these missions to better protect at-risk youth, reduce crime, and make our communities safer for everyone.”
What’s Next? Future Plans to Keep Kids Safe
This successful operation is just the beginning.
The National Child Protection Task Force has announced that more Missing Child Rescue Operations will be conducted nationwide. They also plan to return to New York again in 2026 for another round of rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, local police departments in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and nearby areas are already exploring better ways to prevent children from going missing in the first place.
By the end of 2024, there were still 1,067 active missing children cases in New York State alone.
Vulnerable Adults Still Missing in Upstate New York
Along with children, there are 12 vulnerable adults currently missing from Upstate New York. If you know anything that could help, please contact the New York Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.
Cold Cases Still Open: Missing College Students in New York State
In addition, there are several missing college student cold cases in New York State that remain unsolved. Authorities continue to seek information from the public to bring closure to these cases.
Filed Under:
Human trafficking, missing children, runaways, Capital Region, Utica NY News
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.