How many children are reported missing each year in the United States, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children?

Philadelphia Police are asking for the public’s help to find 16-year-old Trinity Roach, last seen on July 30, 2025, near Dyre Street.

Trinity is 5’4” tall, weighs 215 pounds, and has brown eyes with brown hair.

She was last seen wearing black shorts, a white shirt, and black and green sneakers.

The community’s concern for Trinity’s safety and well-being grows as the search continues.

Anyone who may have information is encouraged to contact the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154.

Every tip can make a difference in bringing Trinity home.

With 17 missing children cases reported in Philadelphia in July 2025, vigilance and community support remain crucial.

Child trafficking in the U.S. is often misunderstood, masking the everyday realities endured by young victims.

Contrary to popular belief, most trafficked children are not abducted by strangers or moved across borders.

Many are exploited by acquaintances, partners, or even relatives, with traffickers relying on manipulation and emotional control rather than outright violence.

Boys and non-binary youth frequently face trafficking risks alongside girls, but their experiences are often ignored or doubted due to persistent stereotypes.

Many remain unseen by support systems, amplifying their vulnerability.

Victims rarely self-identify; stigma, trauma, and fear keep them silent.

Professionals outside specialized training may overlook subtle warning signs, resulting in missed intervention.

Operation Soteria Shield in April 2025 revealed extensive child exploitation, rescuing 109 children and arresting 244 suspects.

Breaking down myths, ensuring accurate awareness, and improving support access are crucial to safeguarding children.

Awareness is Key, reminding us that recognizing the signs of missing children can lead to faster interventions and stronger safety measures. The second, Educate Families, stresses the importance of equipping families with knowledge and resources to identify potential threats before they escalate. Finally, Support Systems emphasizes the value of building networks that empower families affected by trafficking, offering strength and solidarity in times of hardship. With simple icons and clear text, the image delivers an urgent yet hopeful message: communities, families, and individuals all play a role in protecting children.

📚 Databases & Clearinghouses

1. NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) — official site, resources, reporting tools, hotline info
2. NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) — national repository for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases. 
3. National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) — resource hub, advocacy, referrals for victims of all types of crime

📞Crisis Hotlines & Reporting Lines (U.S.)

• National Human Trafficking Hotline
   Phone: 1-888-373-7888
   Text: 233733
   Chat / Online reporting form: humantraffickinghotline.org 

• NCMEC’s Hotline / CyberTipline
   Call: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) Office for Victims of Crime+2

• NCVC / VictimConnect Resource Center
   Call or Text: 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
   Live chat also available Victim Connect Resource Center+1

• Other U.S. National Hotlines (for victims & general crisis support)
   - Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Office for Victims of Crime
   - Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) Office for Victims of Crime
   - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Office for Victims of Crime

• Department of Homeland Security / Blue Campaign Tip Line
   Report suspected human trafficking: 1-866-347-2423 (or outside U.S. 802-872-6199) U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Approximately 800,000 children are reported missing each year in the United States.