A New Numbering 116 000 (Free – 24/7)
The year 2009 marks a turning point in the assistance to the families of missing children with the launch of a new uniform numbering across Europe: 116 000, the hotline for missing children. Its purpose is to provide parents and families with:
• reception and telephone support
• case tracking throughout the procedures
• support in the steps involving investigative services and judicial authorities
• guidance towards administrations and specialized associations
• direction to psychological support if necessary.
The listeners and case officers are professionals who are duly trained and sensitized to address the difficulties of the families and to assess their needs.
The Increase in Child Disappearances Each Year
The 2008 statistics from SOS Missing Children reveal an increase of +6.35% in the number of calls compared to 2007, with 1,741 calls handled in 2008.
Out of 907 opened files, 225 were about runaways, 286 about parental abductions, 83 about disappearances of adults, 72 about concerning disappearances, and 241 about various other requests.
A 50% Increase in Parental Abductions in 2008
Out of 907 new cases followed by SOS Missing Children, 286, nearly 30%, concern parental abductions. The SOS Missing Children service supports distressed parents and, in all cases, takes into account the suffering of the child.
Parental abduction is not just another marital conflict. It is important that the psychological suffering of the child is more widely recognized and addressed.
About 116 000 Missing Children
116 000 Missing Children is a personalized service that supports families whose child has gone missing: concerning disappearances, runaways, and parental abduction. This mechanism was initiated by the Foundation for Childhood which has been managing it, with the INAVEM, since October 2004. Since its inception, more than 7,400 calls have been processed, and 2,500 families have been helped.
For more information: www.sosenfantsdisparus.fr
