Protection of missing children

During the past reporting period, the 116000 hotline for missing children in Serbia has continued to provide essential support to children and families. A key focus of our work has been offering psychosocial assistance to children after they are found. These children often return to environments marked by violence, abuse and other serious issues, where their basic needs remain unmet—further increasing their vulnerability. In many cases, we maintain regular contact with both the children and their families, ensuring continuous emotional support and monitoring their well-being over time.

Unfortunately, systemic prevention efforts in Serbia are still limited. Topics such as child safety, recognizing risky situations, and knowing whom to turn to for help are not regularly addressed in schools. There is also a lack of preventative programs aimed at families, especially in cases where children are repeatedly running away. It is vital to understand that a child’s return does not erase the trauma they have endured, nor does it diminish the need for long-term, structured support. Each case deserves full attention and sustained care from all relevant systems.

On May 25, we joined the coordinated Missing Children Europe Network campaign to mark International Missing Children’s Day. This date is a reminder of all the children who are still missing and emphasizes the importance of ongoing search efforts and comprehensive support for their families. By working together, across sectors and borders, strengthening prevention and protection measures.

In June 2025, ASTRA participated in the international conference “Missing Children in Europe – Challenges, Prevention, and Systemic Solutions in the Context of Parental Abductions and Teen Runaways”, held in Warsaw as part of the annual assembly of the European network of organizations dealing with missing children. The event emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation, the exchange of best practices, and the establishment of clear cross-border procedures. Discussions highlighted the complexities of parental abductions and repeated runaways from institutions and foster care, as well as the urgent need for emotional support, reintegration, and mediation once a child is found.

As an active member of this European network, ASTRA remains committed to advocating for stronger systemic responses in Serbia, promoting prevention, and ensuring that no missing child is forgotten.

We invite everyone who shares our mission to join us—whether by spreading awareness, collaborating, or supporting our work through a donation. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children.