Towards examining and addressing the danger of unaccompanied migrant minors going missing

The phenomenon of missing children is a complex and multifaceted issue, with historical perceptions ranging from romanticized views of adventurous runaways to depictions of delinquents requiring state intervention. While data on missing children vary significantly across countries due to differing definitions and reporting protocols, estimates suggest a substantial global problem, with millions of children going missing annually. The situation is particularly dire for unaccompanied migrant minors (UAMs) within the EU, who face heightened risks of victimization, including abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Their vulnerable and marginalized status, combined with the often transnational nature of their journeys, creates unique challenges for locating and protecting them. This article examines the specific issues faced by missing UAMs in the EU, highlighting the lack of reliable data and inadequate response mechanisms. It then presents a novel technological solution, developed through a EU-funded research project, that aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of locating missing children, with a particular focus on UAMs.

Existing literature reveals a critical lack of reliable data on missing UAMs, both internationally and within individual EU member states. Studies highlight increased risks of human trafficking and exploitation for this group. Data from sources like the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) show inconsistencies and limitations, making it difficult to assess the true scale of the problem and the success rates of interventions. Similar data limitations exist at the EU level, with varying definitions and reporting practices hindering a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The existing alert systems, like Amber Alert, while widely implemented, lack sufficient research evaluating their effectiveness within a European context. While some research exists on the use of technology and social media in locating missing children, there is a distinct gap in knowledge concerning the specific needs and challenges posed by missing UAMs. This gap in existing literature underscores the need for both better data collection and innovative solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of this vulnerable population.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the existing research on missing children, focusing on the specific challenges related to UAMs within the EU. This review examined data from various sources including national police reports, NGO reports, and academic publications to ascertain the current state of knowledge and identify gaps in existing practices and understanding. Second, a qualitative research design was implemented involving 26 semi-structured interviews with experts from four EU countries (Germany, Denmark, Greece, and the UK). These interviews, conducted in English and translated as needed, targeted a wide range of stakeholders, including police officers, child protective services, researchers, and NGOs specializing in missing children or UAMs. The interviews focused on current work practices, challenges in handling cases involving UAMs, and the information needed for effective response. This qualitative data was used to inform the development of a new technological solution. The interviews followed a guideline-based approach, starting with a narrative incentive to describe work practices using a case example (fictional or real). Follow-up questions focused on decision-making processes, best practices, and crucial information needed for different types of missing children cases. The data gathered was used to identify key information needed to create files of missing children and prioritized information for specific situations, such as those involving UAMs. The interviews also explored the problematic nature of current processes, the lack of interest in UAM cases, and the reduced agency of UAMs compared to other missing children. The results of this qualitative analysis helped to shape the development of a new technological solution. Finally, a new technology, a web platform and mobile app developed within the EU-funded ChildRescue project, was created to improve communication and coordination among stakeholders. The system involved a four-phase missing children investigation cycle: preparation, coordination, action, and archiving. It enables seamless information flow and collaboration among response organizations, hosting facilities, volunteer networks, public administrations, and search and rescue teams. Three pilot organizations tested the system (The Smile of the Child in Greece, Child Focus in Belgium, and the Hellenic Red Cross), and the evaluation included usability ratings and surveys to assess effectiveness. The Hellenic Red Cross's focus on UAMs provided valuable data for evaluating the system's performance with this specific population.

The research uncovered significant disparities in the handling of missing UAM cases compared to other missing children. A key finding was the severe lack of reliable data on UAM disappearances. The German BKA data, while showing an increasing number of cleared cases, lacked consistent definitions and reference points, hindering meaningful analysis. The study confirmed a lower clearance rate for UAMs compared to other missing children. The interviews revealed considerable variation in response times and reporting protocols across EU member states, leading to confusion and delays. Some countries even used the disappearance of a UAM as a reason to withdraw their asylum application. Significant issues were highlighted in the use of risk assessment systems, where UAMs, lacking family support, were often categorized as 'low risk,' delaying effective intervention. The qualitative data showed that UAMs often lack agency in their decisions, being influenced by smugglers, peers, or family pressures. Their lack of social networks and reliance on informal information sources increase their vulnerability. The lack of communication and collaboration among international actors also hinders effective responses. The ChildRescue project’s new technological solution, combining web and mobile platforms, aims to address these challenges. The system significantly improves coordination and collaboration among stakeholders involved in missing children cases. The pilot testing involving three organizations showed high usability ratings and positive feedback regarding the ability to quickly organize volunteers, respond to missing cases, and match old and new cases. Specifically, the Hellenic Red Cross's experience with UAMs demonstrated the system's effectiveness in early detection of absences, efficient volunteer deployment, and handling parallel investigations.

The findings confirm that missing UAMs face unique and significant challenges within the EU system. The lack of reliable data, inconsistent practices across member states, and inadequate response mechanisms increase their vulnerability to exploitation and harm. The current risk assessment systems, while intended to prioritize cases, can inadvertently disadvantage UAMs. The new technological solution offers a promising approach to address these issues. By improving communication, coordination, and data sharing, the system enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of locating and protecting missing children, particularly UAMs. The study demonstrates that integrating technology with established practices can lead to significant improvements in the response to missing children cases. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a more coordinated and homogenous approach across EU member states, ensuring equal protection for all children regardless of nationality or immigration status.

This research highlights the critical need for improved mechanisms to address the disappearance of UAMs within the EU. The lack of reliable data and the inconsistencies in response mechanisms across member states create significant challenges. The development and successful pilot testing of the ChildRescue system demonstrate the potential of technological solutions to enhance coordination, communication, and overall effectiveness in locating and protecting missing children. This system is a valuable tool, and future research should focus on broader implementation, further evaluation of its effectiveness, and expanding its functionalities to further improve data analysis and predictive capabilities. Moreover, there's a pressing need for harmonized EU legislation to ensure equal protection for all children regardless of immigration status, and for research that centers the experiences and perspectives of UAMs themselves.

While the study provides valuable insights, some limitations should be acknowledged. The sample size of the expert interviews, while substantial, may not fully represent the diversity of perspectives across all EU member states. The evaluation of the new system is based on pilot testing, and long-term data are needed to assess its sustainability and long-term impact. The generalizability of findings might be limited as the study primarily focused on a specific set of organizations and geographical locations within the EU. Further research is required to establish the system’s effectiveness across different contexts and cultural settings. The reliance on self-reported data from participants in usability surveys might also introduce some bias in the assessment.