CLEVELAND — In June, headlines across the nation raised alarms about an "unprecedented" increase in the number of missing children in Cleveland.
At the time, Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond held a press conference to address the reports, saying that the number of missing children has increased by approximately 20 percent so far this year with 1,072 cases to date. He also noted that 1,020 of those missing juveniles have returned and that the majority have been runaways.
However, Drummond said any missing children are always a concern.
“We do have missing individuals in the city of Cleveland," Drummond said. "No question about it. We take every single one of them seriously. Our detectives take it seriously."
3News contributor and Spoken Word Artist Chris Webb recently shared a personal reflection on the issue.
"Found First"
Homes that feel vacant, worried families, Empty rooms where they should be
There’s so much that we still don’t know surrounding Cleveland’s missing teens
Warm summer air blows through cracked windows, streets feel silent on their names
Stories pour with unanswered questions that spill from the seams like rain
And yes, this storm brings fear and pain, and spins over our neighbor's houses
Affecting sons daughters, siblings, classmates, parents, friends and spouses
But we have a duty too, while they seek answers and relief
To hear their voices, see their smiles, and shun the darkness from their streets
In addition to wanting safe returns for each and every one
Let's all be proactive as a city to look out for our young
Let’s ensure Cleveland is the type of land that lets youth take their time
Where these teens could discover hope and all the brilliance of their minds
Where they can thrive and grow into the people they’re destined to be
These aren’t just missing teens, these are futures with perspectives and dreams
Potential leaders, coming mentors, thinkers who could take us higher
Their stories are not defined, their voices and hopes could inspire
Their blank slates should know no fear, only possibilities open,
Let trauma, poverty, and bad memories from them all be broken
Let our city know no rest till they can rest in their own beds
Till each youth in our city has a caring space to lay their head
They shouldn’t have to grow up fast, Their walks home shouldn’t feel unsafe
Their summer shouldn't bring fresh pain ‘cause each young kid should have their place
And even if that’s not the case we shouldn’t stop trying to fight
Because it’s never out of style to protect one another’s life
To let our future thrive and feel safe with no mystery around it
If you know something, but lack courage, I hope by now you’ve found it
We want them to hold their families, safe from all danger and hurt
They deserve privacy and safety, but they have… to be found first….
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