Reports of missing children have increased

CLEVELAND — A new study released shows there was an increase in the number of missing children in Ohio in 2023. Northeast Ohio had one of the highest numbers of child reports disappeared from the state.

She’s been gone for 16 years,” Linda Summers said. “She missed out on so much.”

Linda Summers' granddaughter, Ashley Summers, was last seen in the Cleveland area around July 7, 2007. Ashley was only 14 years old. Next weekend, June 16, will be his 30th birthday.

“Birthdays, holidays, everything is difficult because there’s this empty chair there,” Summers added.

Cleveland Missing President John Majoy said children in Northeast Ohio continue to go missing or run away daily.

“In Northeast Ohio, at any given time, there are approximately 400 missing people, including children and adults,” Majoy added.

A new study released by Missing Children Clearinghouses found that across Ohio, 17,405 missing children were reported in 2023. In 2022, there were 15,555. That means more than 1,800 more children went missing in 2023 versus 2022. Keep in mind that this figure also includes runaways.

“The worst thing about this report is the best thing about this report and the reason is we are creating more awareness,” Majoy said. “The worst part is obviously yes, there is an increase, but it is also being reported.”

Keshaun Williams is another active missing child case. The 17-year-old young man disappeared in the Slavic village almost a year ago. Majoy said his family isn't giving up hope either.

“They’re doing their best,” Majoy said. “Every time the phone rings, you wonder: is this the real call? »

Majoy said the upward trend in data statewide and locally is not reassuring. According to the report, Cuyahoga County accounted for 2,959 of the 17,405 missing children reported last year. Counties with the highest number of reports in Ohio included Cuyahoga County and Franklin County. Importantly, these are also the most populous counties in the state.

“It’s not about sounding the alarm, but it’s also not about de-escalating the situation,” Majoy said.

Furthermore, in the study, it is stated that of the 17,405 reports of missing children in 2023, 98% were safely recovered by the end of the year.

The Missing Persons Unit website has a list of resources, including safety tips and links to Ohio's Amber Alert program, training information and the National Center for Missing Children and exploited.