**Editorial: Missing But Not Forgotten — Why We Must Take Every Child's Disappearance Seriously**
In a world that moves fast and forgets even faster, the cries of families with missing children often fade into the background. But they shouldn't. The Philadelphia Police Department’s call for help in locating missing juveniles—like Justin McDonald-Koller from the 35th District—is a sobering reminder that behind every flyer, every photo, every “MISSING” headline is a terrified family and a child who deserves to be found.
It’s easy to scroll past these alerts. To assume “they probably ran away,” or “they’ll come back.” But that complacency is dangerous. Each case is unique—some are runaways escaping abuse, some victims of trafficking, others simply lost or lured by someone with bad intentions. And each child matters.
What’s often overlooked is the emotional weight these disappearances carry in communities already struggling with poverty, violence, and distrust in the system. When a Black or brown child goes missing, the urgency just doesn’t seem to match the crisis. The media coverage is minimal, the public outrage muted. And that’s unacceptable.
We, as a society, need to care more—louder, longer, and more consistently. This isn’t just a police matter—it’s a community matter. It’s a human matter. Sharing a flyer, checking on your neighbors, staying alert—it all helps. And most of all, pushing for stronger systems, more resources, and better support for families navigating the nightmare of a missing child must be a priority.
Because these aren’t just stories. They’re children. And children deserve more than to be forgotten. They deserve to be found.
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