TRENTON, N.J. -- There are hundreds of missing children nationwide, and dozens from New Jersey. On National Missing Children’s Day, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit jointly urge residents to be alert and on the lookout for local missing youth.

Each story is different: some are suspected victims of kidnapping or human trafficking, while others may be considered runaway youth. But in every case, there are loved ones and whole communities devastated by their absence, waiting for their return.

“As a parent, there is nothing more terrifying than imagining a child going missing,” DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said. “We encourage the public to alert State Police if they spot a missing child or observe a situation that may involve human trafficking, kidnapping or other unsafe circumstances. With your help, we can bring these missing children home.”

DCF, OAG, and State Police officials are asking the public to remain vigilant in the search for the young people listed below, as well as dozens of others listed on the NCMEC website.

Anyone with information about these individuals should call the 24/7 New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Center at 1 (609) 963-6900.

Campaigns that help find missing children save lives. In fact, just recently, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children shared news that a 15-year-old girl had been found safe in North Carolina after being recognized by a store owner that watched an episode about her disappearance on of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries.

“Today, as we join the nation in raising awareness of the threat of child abduction, we renew our unwavering commitment to protecting New Jersey children from harm,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “The safety and well-being of young people is a shared responsibility and the Office of the Attorney General will continue working with parents, community groups, and our law enforcement partners to ensure their protection.”

“There are no words to describe the pain and anguish that is endured by the parents of a missing child,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “The New Jersey State Police and the Department of Children and Families are committed to reuniting these missing children with their families, but we cannot do it alone.  If you see a child that you suspect may be the victim of human trafficking or kidnapping, immediately contact the State Police or your local law enforcement agency.”

Missing Children in NJ

		Dulce Alavez Dulce has been missing since September 2019, when she went missing from the Bridgeton City Park. The young Hispanic girl is 9 years old now.
		Hector Azor Hector, 17, went missing from Paterson last year. He is Hispanic, 5’6” and 114 pounds.
		Walter Chocoj-Balan Walter went missing from North Bergen and was last seen on July 10, 2020. He is Hispanic, 5’2”, 130 pounds and is now 19 years old.
		Angelica Santos Escobar In January, Angelica went missing from Barnegat. She’s 17 years old, Hispanic, 5’8” and 150 pounds.

“The unfortunate reality is some children do go missing,” Ricardo Pina, Supervisor for DCF Security and Safety Operations. “These are often complex cases. Some youth go missing from their biological family’s home, while others may go missing from a friend or guardian’s home. DCF is committed to working with State Police to bring them back safe, and as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information on the above-listed youth is encouraged to call 911 or the State Police at 1 (609) 963-6900.