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Westchester County Missing Child Rescue Operation Leads to the Location of 44 Children and Teens
Date Posted: February 16th, 2026
A focused, three-day effort to locate missing and endangered children and teens, dubbed the Westchester County Missing Child Rescue Operation, concluded recently. Through the collaboration of more than 70 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners, 44 young individuals reported missing to police were identified and located.
The operation was coordinated by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Missing Persons Clearinghouse in partnership with the state Office of Children and Family Services and the NCPTF. During the intensive three-day mission, investigative leads were explored, case files were reviewed, and technology and data were leveraged to locate children at risk of exploitation, harm, or continued disappearance. The recovered youth ranged in age from 8 to 17 years old when last reported missing.
“One missing child is one too many,” said DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado, underscoring the urgency that drives these multi-agency efforts. Leaders from law enforcement, child welfare organizations, and community partners worked side by side with a shared focus to locate missing children and connect them with the services and support they need once they are found.
This Westchester County mission was the third Missing Child Rescue Operation conducted by DCJS and NCPTF in New York State, following earlier successes in the Capital Region and Western New York. Each operation highlights what’s possible when experienced investigators, cutting-edge technology, and collective purpose converge to protect vulnerable youth.
Throughout the operation, social support professionals and nonprofit partners helped provide immediate care and essential resources to children once located, ensuring recovery efforts extend beyond the initial investigative success. This wraparound care plays a critical role in keeping children safe and building pathways toward long-term stability.
44 missing and endangered children and teens were located during a focused, three-day operation in Westchester County, bringing together more than 70 agencies united by one goal.
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