In Romania, 10,566 reports of missing children have been registered in the last year, the majority being voluntary departures. The organization Save the Children draws attention to the causes and warning signs.

Between May 20, 2025 – May 20, 2026, Romania recorded 10,566 reports of missing children, a significant increase compared to previous years. Most cases are not abductions, but voluntary departures from social or family environments, with 60% of cases coming from social housing or placement centers. The organization Save the Children emphasizes that departures do not necessarily indicate a desire for freedom, but can be a signal of problems in the living environment. Most disappearances have been reported among adolescents, and the main causes include domestic violence, abuse, and mental health issues. Additionally, bullying and social pressure in schools contribute to this phenomenon. Save the Children highlights the importance of a rapid response in the case of a child's disappearance and a healthy family environment to prevent such situations. The #BlueForHope campaign, launched on the occasion of International Missing Children's Day, calls for solidarity and awareness of this issue.