The number of cases of disappearances and child sexual exploitation reported to Child Focus has doubled in three years, to more than 3,000. The number of runaways has risen for the third year in a row, according to the annual report published by the foundation.
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Cases of missing children and sexual exploitation double in three years
Sally Tipper
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In 2024, Child Focus opened 1,808 cases involving young runaways, an increase of 30 per cent on the previous year and equivalent to approximately five cases a day. Possible explanations for the increase include growing pressure on young people, the lack of structured care options and the growing complexity of youth care, according to Child Focus. The foundation supports the investigation of missing and sexually exploited children, and provides psychological and legal support to victims.
It is receiving an increasing number of calls from children who are struggling mentally and from parents concerned about their children’s mental health. Child Focus says this underlines the need to see running away “not as a behavioural problem, but as an expression of deeper emotional needs”.
Young people who run away from home are extremely vulnerable. Almost all the cases opened by Child Focus last year involving the sexual exploitation of minors were linked to runaways. Half of the victims were under 15. In three quarters of the cases, teenage pimps, who see young people as easy prey, are reported to have played a role.
As a society, we must listen to children and young people, pay attention to their stories and perspectives, and take them seriously
Such exploitation of minors remains largely under the radar, Child Focus says. Field workers are often insufficiently trained to identify victims and the phenomenon is becoming increasingly digital, making it difficult to prosecute perpetrators. Many platforms are reluctant to cooperate with the authorities.
Child Focus believes urgent measures are needed to combat these abuses and better protect young people. “Young people need appropriate help and support to cope with today’s challenges,” says Child Focus CEO Nel Broothaerts. “They deserve attention for their well-being and active help when they are struggling. As a society, we must listen to children and young people, pay attention to their stories and perspectives, and take them seriously.”