OAKWOOD VILLAGE, Ohio — On Tuesday, faith leaders gathered at Mt. Zion Church in Oakwood Village to raise awareness of missing kids and teens in the Greater Cleveland area.
The pastors and ministers were part of United Pastors in Mission of Greater Cleveland, and called upon community members and law enforcement to help find missing children.
3News reached out to the Cleveland Division of Police to learn more about the number of missing kids and teens in the city. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities say there are currently 40 missing juvenile cases that are active, the oldest among those being reported on April 2, 2023. The department also noted that the number changes "very quickly," adding they currently don't have any cases of known abductions or kidnappings.
"We hope that you would join us in finding these missing, lost kids," the Rev. Dr. Larry L. Macon Sr., president of United Pastors in Mission, said Tuesday.
Macon says communities need additional programs to help find and support minors, and also asked for law enforcement to work together in coordinated efforts to find them. The faith leaders additionally discussed kids running away voluntarily, and also facing different potential dangers and risks.
In terms of contributing factors to young adults going missing, Macon referenced the pandemic causing difficulties among families, as well as rising mental health challenges in young people. He also believes the lack of connection among communities and neighborhoods could be a reason.
"We used to be a neighborhood, as one of our ministers said, where we knew each other, where we talked to each other, where we helped each other, and where we even found each other if one of us was lost," Macon explained. "And so I think that's the cause, as well."
Clergy emphasize their doors, and hearts, are open to these young adults if they need a place to turn to.
"We have joined together not only to say to our children, 'We care for you,' but, 'We offer safe haven for you,'" the Rev. Dr. C. Jay Matthews, senior pastor at Mt. Sinai-Friendship United, said. "If you feel like you have nowhere else to turn, you can turn to one of our faith institutions."
Cleveland Police shared the following statement regarding missing juvenile cases:
"The Cleveland Division of Police investigates reports of missing juveniles on a daily basis. Although reports of missing juveniles can increase in the summer months, many incidents involve juveniles running away from home and returning or being located within a short time. Any cases involving known abductions, Amber Alerts or kidnappings are investigated with high priority. The Division has no cases of known abductions or kidnappings at this time.
"Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of missing persons, or information on criminal or suspicious activity is asked to contact law enforcement. Call 9-1-1 in emergencies and 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies. Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME."
UPDATE: The city of Cleveland has announced that it will hold a virtual media briefing on Wednesday to "address misleading information" about missing kids and human trafficking cases that "recently appeared in national news stories."