Alarming Rise in Missing Minors in Spain: Runaways Account for Majority of Cases

Spain Grapples with Alarming Rise in Missing Minors: Runaways Account for Majority of Cases In a concerning trend, nearly half of all missing persons reported in Spain during 2024 were children, according to data from the National Center for Missing Persons (CNDES). This alarming statistic highlights a growing crisis, with runaways identified as the primary cause. The CNDES reports indicate that 49.4% of those reported missing last year were minors. Of these cases, a staggering 57.6% stemmed from children running away from home, further emphasizing the need for increased support and intervention. Benjamin Ballesteros, the technical director and spokesperson for the ANAR Foundation, a leading organization in child protection, stated, "Families are left shattered. If we put ourselves in their shoes, we can imagine how they feel and how their lives change from that moment on. They will likely search until their last breath." The ANAR Foundation's helpline (116) provides crucial support to families facing this devastating situation. Their work underscores the complex issues underlying these disappearances, often involving significant family problems. Addressing these underlying problems is crucial to preventing future tragedies. The rise in missing minors underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to support vulnerable families and children at risk. Further research into the root causes of these runaways is essential to develop effective preventative measures and provide the necessary support to those affected.