Over 10,500 cases of missing minors have been reported in Romania in the last year, with an increase of 600 cases compared to the previous year. Most of the disappearances involve teenagers aged between 14 and 18 years.

The Save the Children Romania organization reported an alarming increase in the disappearance of minors, with 10,566 cases recorded between May 20, 2025, and May 20, 2026, over 600 more than the previous year. The most affected are adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years, who account for 8,140 of the total reports. Bucharest, Bihor, Constanța, Giurgiu, and Iași are the counties with the most disappearances.

Approximately 60% of cases are voluntary departures from placement centers or social housing; however, specialists emphasize that these departures may hide serious issues, such as violence or neglect. The organization also warns about the risks of grooming, which can lead to the sexual exploitation of children. Parents are advised to react quickly in the event of a child's disappearance, notifying the authorities and providing relevant information. On the occasion of the International Day of Missing Children, Save the Children launched the campaign 'When a child goes missing, the search does not stop.'