The search for missing and exploited children, and the protection of children from victimization, requires a coordinated, comprehensive and global approach.
In light of the worldwide phenomenon of missing and exploited children, it is imperative that child victims be protected and resources be made available to the victims, their families, and the professionals who serve them.
That is why we have worked with interested countries on the creation of national operational centers based on a public-private partnership model, and established with the support of national governments. National operational centers meet regional and national goals, while working closely with government, law enforcement, civil society, and the general public, in order to effectively resolve cases involving missing and sexually exploited children. These national operational centers are modeled after our sister organization in the United States, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Which countries have national operational centers?
To date, national operational centers exist in:
- Belarus (Ponimanie, “Understanding”);
- Belgium (Child Focus);
- Greece (The Smile of the Child);
- Russia (NeDopusti!, “Don’t Let It Happen”); and
- the United States of America (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children).
The Southeastern European Centre for Missing and Exploited Children represents the first regional operational center, serving as a hub for 13 countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey.