COLUMBUS, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from a previous story that aired on 3News on Nov. 11, 2021.
Each year, Ohio releases its annual Ohio Missing Children Clearinghouse Report as a part of its recognition of National Missing Children’s Day.
According to the clearinghouse document released by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, there was a decrease in the number of people that went missing.
In 2021, 19,014 people went missing, 2,506 less than in 2020. 14,027 of the missing individuals were children. According to authorities, 13,306 or 97% of the children were safely recovered in 2021.
“The Missing Persons Clearinghouse Report we’re issuing today shows the perseverance of law enforcement to reunite missing kids with their families,” said Yost. “I’m thankful for everyone – police officers, parents, social workers, teachers and more – who is working toward the goal of every kid returning home.”
The report also mentioned that there were 14 statewide Ohio Amber Alerts were put out and five Endangered Missing Child alerts. All 19 of the children were found safe.
Children went missing because of the following reasons according to the report:
8,366 cases involved a runaway, where a child left a home without permission and stays away overnight.
51 cases involved abduction from a noncustodial parent, where a parent, other family member or another person acting on behalf of a parent keeps or conceals a child depriving another individual of custody or visitation rights.
11 cases involved abduction by a stranger.
214 cases involved missing adults between the ages of 18 and 21.
A full copy of the report can be accessed HERE.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Oct. 26, 2020, when the U.S. Marshals located 45 missing children.