New York operation locates 34 missing young people

New York officials said a three-day, multi-agency operation located 34 young people who had been reported missing, ages 7 to 18 when reported missing, in cases spanning New York City and Long Island. The effort connected those found with support services, officials said. More than 100 professionals from nearly 40 agencies and organizations took part, according to officials. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the state Office of Children and Family Services and the National Child Protection Task Force co-led the operation. Participating agencies included the FBI, Nassau and Suffolk County police departments and the New York Police Department’s Missing Persons Squad. Investigators coordinated from a command center in Garden City, where they reviewed cases, pursued leads and shared information across jurisdictions. Police worked with social workers and advocates to connect young people with services that officials said included safe placement, medical care, counseling, food, clothing and transportation. The operation’s total and support provided were described in officials’ accounts.