DeWine honors 690 missing OH children - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

Kids release 690 balloons for each missing OH child

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is raising awareness about the astonishing number of children who are currently reported missing in the state. (Source: Ohio Attorney General) Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is raising awareness about the astonishing number of children who are currently reported missing in the state. (Source: Ohio Attorney General)
Kids released 690 balloons in honor of those missing. (Source: Ohio Attorney General) Kids released 690 balloons in honor of those missing. (Source: Ohio Attorney General)
COLUMBUS, OH (Toledo News Now) -

One day before National Missing Children's Day, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reminded Ohioans about the hundreds of children who remain missing in the state.

Currently, 690 children are missing in Ohio.

DeWine attended a balloon launch at Columbus Preparatory Academy in honor of National Missing Children's Day, which is observed May 25. Children released 690 balloons representing each missing child in Ohio. 

"Some of these children have been missing for decades, but the discovery of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight in Cleveland this month reminds us that we can't give up hope," said DeWine.  

On Friday, DeWine also released the Ohio Attorney General's Missing Children Clearinghouse annual 2012 report. According to report, a total of 19,219 reports of missing children were made in 2012. Of those children, 98.8 percent were recovered safely.

DeWine and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children encourage parents to take 25 minutes to talk with their children about staying safe.

-Teach children how and when to use 911.

-Walk or drive the route to and from school with children, pointing out landmarks and safe
   places to go if they're being followed or need help.

-Remind children it's alright to say no to anything that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or
   confused.

-Practice "what if" situations and ask children how they would respond.

The Missing Children Clearinghouse documented 72 family abductions in 2012 and 12 non-family abductions. There were also 62 attempted abductions. Of incidents in which the outcome is known, 53 percent involved the children being able to walk or run away with no physical contact occurring.

View photographs and other information about current missing children cases being investigated by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

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