File #: Res 0419-2014    Version: * Name: Declaring May 25th as Missing Persons Day in NYC.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 9/23/2014
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution declaring May 25th as Missing Persons Day in New York City.
Sponsors: I. Daneek Miller, Inez D. Barron, Margaret S. Chin, Vincent J. Gentile, Vanessa L. Gibson, Corey D. Johnson, Peter A. Koo, Rosie Mendez, Donovan J. Richards, Ydanis A. Rodriguez, Paul A. Vallone, Andrew Cohen
Council Member Sponsors: 12

Res. No. 419

 

Resolution declaring May 25th as Missing Persons Day in New York City.

 

By Council Members Miller, Barron, Chin, Gentile, Gibson, Johnson, Koo, Mendez, Richards, Rodriguez, Vallone and Cohen

 

Whereas, In 1983, President Ronald Reagan declared May 25th as National Missing Children's Day; a day honoring the valiant efforts of the various organizations and individuals committed to protecting children; and

Whereas, According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 800,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing in the United States each year; and

Whereas, While children account for the vast majority of missing person reports, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), approximately 164,300 adults were reported missing in 2012; and

Whereas, Although there are times where adults simply choose to leave without telling anyone, adults suffering from mental illness, Alzheimer's disease and senility are particularly susceptible to becoming lost or disoriented; and

Whereas, According to the FBI, the number of missing persons has increased dramatically since 1980 when approximately 150,000 people were reported missing; and

Whereas, As the nation focuses on missing children New York City should join that effort but also recognize the significant number of adults who are also  reported missing; and      

Whereas, This broader recognition would highlight the fact that a significant number of adults in New York City and across the nation are reported missing each year, honor the efforts of those who work to ensure they are returned home safely and make sure policies are in place that maximize the effort to search for those who are lost; and

Whereas, Out of respect for the families in New York City and beyond whose adult loved ones are missing in conjunction with Missing Children's Day, New York City should declare May 25th  Missing Persons Day; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares May 25th as Missing Persons Day in New York City.

 

JC/SA

9/9/14

#1895