Missing Children Europe is an organisation which aims to ensure that every EU member state has the necessary procedures and regulations in place to deal with cases of missing and/or sexually exploited children, and are able to both provide support for the victims, and take steps to prevent future disappearances. It is an umbrella organization for 31 NGOs throughout Europe, 22 of which run a 116000 hotline for missing children.

History

Missing Children Europe was established in 2001 by Child Focus (Belgium), La Mouette (France), Aurora (Italy), Initiative Vermisste Kinder (Germany) and Rat auf Draht (Austria). Missing Children Europe gained financial independence in 2008, as it obtained a grant from the

European Commission The European Commission (EC) is the executive of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (informally known as "Commissioners") headed by a President. It includes an administrative body o ...

. Missing Children Europe was the driving force behind the launch of

116 000 116 000 is the European missing children hotline number. It was the first harmonised service of social value to be adopted by the European Union. The 116 000 hotline provides free, immediate life saving support when children go missing. Call ...

, an emergency number which provides immediate support when children go missing.

Constituent organizations

The 31 NGOs represented by Missing Children Europe are: * Albania: ALO 116 * Austria: 147 Rat Auf Draht * Belgium: Child Focus * Bulgaria: Nadja Centre Foundation * Croatia: Centre for missing and exploited children * Cyprus: Consortium: SPAVO & HFC * Czech Republic: Cesta z krize, z. ů * Estonia: Estonian Advice Center * Finland: Lasten perusoikeudet, Kaapatut Lapset ry * France: APEV, Droit d'Enfance - 116000 Enfants Disparus, La Mouette * Greece: The Smile of the Child * Hungary: Kék Vonal * Ireland:

ISPCC The ISPCC (ISPCC) is a charity in Ireland dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people. It provides a range of services to children and families in Ireland, and promotes children's rights. The ISPCC is best known for its free c ...

* Italy: SOS II Telefono Azzurro Onlus * Latvia: Bezvests.lv * Lithuania: Missing Persons' Families Support Centre * Poland: ITAKA * Portugal: Instituto de Apoio à Criança * Romania: Salvati Copiii * Serbia: Astra * Slovakia: Linka detskej istoty, n. o. * Spain: Fundación ANAR * Switzerland: Missing Children Switzerland, Fondation Suisse du Service Social International * The Netherlands: The International Child Abduction Centre * United Kingdom: Missing People

Funding

65% of Missing Children Europe's funds come from the European Commission Daphne Programme, and the remainder is collected through fundraising events, structural partnerships and membership fees.

Notes

External links

* {{Transnational child protection International organizations based in Europe