47 children reported missing in Erie County have been found safe, marking a significant achievement in New York State’s first-ever Missing Child Rescue Operation. The collaborative effort involved the State Division of Criminal Justice Services, National Child Protection Task Force, and law enforcement professionals from 22 public and private entities who all worked together to support the Amherst and Buffalo Police Departments.
The successful recovery of these children emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing the alarming issue of missing children. Kevin Branzetti, CEO and co-founder of the National Child Protection Task Force, highlighted the urgency of such operations.
"Every time a child goes missing, the odds of them being assaulted, injured, or criminalized in some way increase exponentially," Branzetti stated. "The goal should always be to bring them home as fast as possible."
Following their recovery, the children are receiving essential support and services at the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf in Buffalo. The center is dedicated to providing a safe environment for children who have experienced trauma.
Historic Missing Child Rescue Operation Locates 47 Children