D.C. launches new initiatives to address missing persons cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (WDCW) -- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled six new initiatives to address concerns about the number of missing persons cases in the city, particularly those involving African-American teenage girls.

“One missing young person, is one too many, and these new initiatives will help us do more to find and protect young people, particularly young girls of color, across our city,” said Mayor Bowser.

The first initiative will increase the number of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers assigned to the Youth and Family Services Division. These officers will work to locate youth that are reported missing.

The second initiative will expand the information provided on MPD's missing persons website and social media accounts about each missing persons case.

The third initiative establishes the Missing Persons Evaluation and Reconnection Resources Collaborative. This will pair the MPD with the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), and community organizations to evaluate each youth who is found or returns home. They will look at the reasons why the youth left and provide additional resources if necessary to the child and family.

The fourth initiative created a working group with the OVSJG and CFSA to analyze open cases and trends and manage resource requests. A preliminary meeting has already taken place.