There were 1,060 youths reported missing to P.A. Police in 2024. Across the country, 32,680 youth were reported missing. (ID 7956298 © Andrew Grant | Dreamstime.com)

By Teena Monteleone

23,219 runaways

Alarming numbers highlight national campaign on prevention of runaway youth

Nov 4, 2025 | 4:00 PM

A national organization is spearheading a campaign to recognize November as Runaway Prevention Month.

The Missing Children Society of Canada’s (MCSC) campaign focuses attention on education and community support for runaway and at-risk youth.

It’s an issue the Prince Albert Police Service deals with on a regular basis.

Last year, 1,060 youths were reported missing to local police. Fortunately, all of the files were closed because they were either located or returned.

• Under nine years-old – three reports
• Nine-11 years-old – 111 reports
• 12-13 years-old – 314 reports
• 14-15 years-old – 418 reports

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Of the total case number in Prince Albert, 123 youth were reported missing to police more than once.

Missing person investigations play a significant factor in the day-to-day workload of officers in the city, but Police Chief Patrick Nogier said every report is treated the same and investigated consistently, despite the issue of repeat runaways.

Studies have shown, however, that repeated exposure to missing person alerts can decrease public responsiveness and intention to look for the individual because people start to tune out the constant missing person news stories. Nogier said ‘empathy fatigue’ is always a concern, regardless of whether it occurs externally or internally.

“Missing children require a professional and consistent approach regardless of circumstance and anything which potentially desensitizes our ability to respond accordingly should be immediately addressed. This includes an upstream approach and analysis of why there are numerous examples of repeat occurrences, emphasizing the need for an additional layer and acceptance of responsibility on behalf of those responsible for the safety and well-being of children in our community. The submission of a missing person report shouldn’t provide solace or reassurances that the work has been done,” he said.

Police records in Canada show that last year, 32,680 children were reported missing in the country. Of those, 23,219 were considered runaways.

“You are not alone in thinking the numbers of runaway youth is alarming,” said Amanda Pick, CEO of MCSC. “That’s why by recognizing early warning signs and helping young people feel seen, heard and valued, we can help create safe spaces for troubled youth.”

Pick said reducing the number of youth who run away starts with recognizing their vulnerabilities and helping protect them before they feel the only solution is to leave a safe environment.

The National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains released a report in 2024 that explored the numbers of runaways in Canada. Family conflict, abuse, poverty, mental health challenges, substance abuse and lack of support were among the reasons youth run away. The report also said without enough support or intervention, at-risk youth will run away again. And as each hour goes by, when a child is missing from a safe environment, the danger of exposure to high-risk activities such as substance misuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and even the risk of death increases.

Throughout the month of November, and especially today, Nov. 4, landmarks across Canada are lighting up green in recognition of National Runaway Prevention Month.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com