In what authorities are calling one of the largest child-recovery efforts in U.S. history, 163 missing children from Florida — ranging in age from just 2 months to 17 years old — have been recovered during Operation Statewide Shield.

The five-day operation brought together law-enforcement agencies and child-welfare partners in an effort to locate vulnerable children who had been reported missing. Officials said the children were recovered not only throughout Florida, but also in several other states, a U.S. territory and multiple countries.

The operation involved cases with a wide range of circumstances, including children who may have faced neglect, exploitation or other risks. Once located, children who needed additional ᴀssistance were connected with recovery centers and support services designed to help them safely transition back to their families or appropriate care.

Behind the headline number of 163 are individual children, families and stories that had remained unresolved. Authorities say Operation Statewide Shield demonstrates the importance of cooperation between agencies when missing children are at risk.

Source:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement — Operation Statewide Shield