In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children’s Day. That date was significant as it marked 6-year-old Eton Patz’s abduction in 1979. With an official day recognizing missing children, more attention was drawn to these important cases in the media.

At any given time, there are approximately 800 active missing children cases in Washington State.  Nearly 90% of these are runaway youth with the second highest percentage being custodial issues and the lowest number being those whose circumstances are unknown. With new technology and the AMBER Alert system, abducted children are recovered at a very high success rate. 

On this date, we would like to remember those children who are still missing and bring attention to their cases.  Please visit our website to view posters for those missing in Washington.  It is important to note that the WSP missing children webpage is NOT all inclusive.  These are missing children whose parent/guardian or law enforcement have requested that their poster be posted to our page. 

If you know someone who is missing and you would like to inquire whether they are actively entered into all applicable missing persons systems, please contact the Washington State Patrol Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit (WSP MUPU) at mupu@wsp.wa.gov or 1-800-543-5678.

If you know the location of a missing child or believe you have information related to a missing child please contact your local law enforcement agency, the WSP MUPU or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.