The resolution establishes May 25, 2026, as Missing Children's Day in New Jersey to raise awareness about the issue of missing children and to honor the efforts of families, law enforcement, and organizations dedicated to locating them. It highlights the alarming statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which reported over 349,557 cases of missing children in 2024, emphasizing that children, despite making up only one-fifth of the U.S. population, account for over 65 percent of all missing persons cases. The resolution also notes that certain groups of children, such as those with autism or in foster care, are at a higher risk of going missing and face significant dangers, including physical violence and homelessness.

By designating this day, the resolution aims to promote public awareness about the circumstances under which children go missing and the importance of timely reporting, particularly within the critical first three hours after a child's disappearance. The resolution acknowledges May 25 as National Missing Children's Day, a date recognized since 1983 to honor the memory of Etan Patz, a young boy who disappeared in 1979. The Senate of New Jersey intends to transmit copies of this resolution to the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to further support the cause.