On October 29, Manhood Academy Global (MAG) hosted a landmark Missing Black Children Conference, uniting parents, professionals, and youth in a powerful community dialogue. This gathering was born from the distressing reality: Black children are overrepresented in missing child statistics, often subject to systemic biases that leave them overlooked or misjudged.
Why?
We hosted this event because we became more and more frustrated by the amount of missing posts we see on social media—dozens of posts circulating with no narrative, no outrage, no urgency, just a post being circulated. It was all very normal. How can a child going missing be normal? It shouldn't be an everyday occurrence; it should be a wake-up call for all of us to take action, to raise our voices, and to mobilise our communities to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and protected. We refuse to accept this as the status quo; we must advocate for change and demand accountability from those in power to safeguard our youth.
When we inquire on social media about why this young person is missing—what happened—we were snarled at, as if questioning the silence surrounding these tragedies is somehow wrong. How dare we ask questions? This response reflects a troubling mindset that prioritises complacency over curiosity, a refusal to confront the uncomfortable reality of our children’s lives. Instead of shaming those who seek answers, we should be generating dialogue and encouraging our communities to engage with these issues openly. Asking questions is not just our right; it’s our responsibility. We must hold each other accountable and push for transparency, so we can work together to prevent these heartbreaking situations from becoming the norm.
Safe Spaces - The thing is, even though these young people are missing, they are still present to those who offer them safety. On the day of the event, young people in attendance highlighted that, despite being missing for weeks and months, they continued to keep in touch with MAG and their life coaches and mentors. These individuals provided them with emotional safety, insight, and unconditional love, pouring into them during their darkest times. This connection served as a lifeline, reminding them that they are not alone and that there are people who care deeply about their well-being. It highlighted the importance of building supportive networks that can reach out to youth in crisis, providing them with the resources and relationships they need to navigate their challenges and find their way back to safety and belonging.
In attendance
Josie Allan from Missing People presented the staggering statistics—damning numbers that speak to the urgent need for attention and action. She revealed that thousands of children go missing each year, highlighting that each statistic represents a unique story of loss, trauma, and potential danger. Her data painted a stark picture of the crisis we face, showing not only the prevalence of the issue but also the profound impact it has on families and communities.
Josie urged the audience to understand that these figures are not just numbers on a page; they signify real lives disrupted and futures altered. She called for a unified response, stressing that awareness alone is not enough. Action must follow, and it must involve everyone—from parents and community leaders to policymakers and educators. Josie's compelling presentation served as a rallying cry for all present to engage in proactive measures, advocating for better resources, support systems, and community involvement to ensure that every child feels safe and protected. Her powerful message left an indelible mark, igniting a sense of urgency to address the root causes of child exploitation and missing children.
Key Findings
1. Disproportionate Risk and Systemic Racism - Black children are overrepresented in missing incidents (16% of missing children) and face unique vulnerabilities, including racial bias in risk assessments and safeguarding.
Black children are often viewed as less vulnerable and more likely to be criminalised than their White peers, contributing to extended time missing and delayed responses.
2. Drivers of Missing Incidents - Common causes include family conflict, strict household expectations, financial pressures, and exploitation (e.g., gang recruitment).
Lack of belonging or cultural isolation and issues within the education system further impact Black children, often pushing them toward exploitative situations.
3. Barriers to Support - Parents and children report distrust of police and social services, feeling their concerns are undervalued or dismissed.
Black parents often feel stereotyped or labeled as overbearing, which affects their ability to advocate for support effectively.
4. Media Representation and Public Perception - Black missing children receive less media attention, and when covered, reporting often reinforces negative stereotypes rather than portraying them as vulnerable.
5. Recommendations
- Enhance equity in media representation and police response.
- Increase safe spaces and culturally sensitive mental health support.
- Encourage diverse representation in statutory services and train professionals to avoid biases such as adultification and racial profiling.
The numbers are unacceptable. Each statistic represents a child who is missing, a family torn apart, and a community in crisis. It is a stark reminder of the urgency with which we must address this issue. Every missing child is not just a number; they are a life full of potential, dreams, and aspirations that deserve to be fulfilled. We cannot continue to stand by as these figures rise. It is time for all of us—parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers—to take decisive action, advocate for change, and ensure that every child is given the safety and support they need to thrive. We must demand better for our children, because they deserve nothing less than our unwavering commitment to their well-being.
The report Josie was referring to can be found here
Ann Marie Christian, an international safeguarding consultant, brought her years of expertise to emphasise the critical importance of safeguarding, highlighting that it must start from home. She articulated that the foundation of effective safeguarding practices lies within the family unit, where open communication, trust, and emotional support create a safe environment for children to thrive.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Ann Marie shared practical strategies for parents and caregivers, urging them to develop connections with their children that encourage dialogue about their feelings, experiences, and any concerns they may have. She highlighted that safeguarding is not just about reacting to potential threats but proactively nurturing a sense of security and belonging. Her insights extended beyond the home, advocating for a community-wide approach to safeguarding that involves schools, local organisations, and police working collaboratively to identify and support vulnerable children. Ann Marie’s passionate delivery left the audience with a clear understanding that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, one that requires awareness, education, and a commitment to building safe spaces for every child.
Chris Murray, CEO of Young Brent Foundation spoke about the importance of organisations coming together to create a unified front in safeguarding our children. He emphasised that collaboration between different entities—schools, non-profits, community groups is crucial for effectively addressing the complex challenges that children face today. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and leveraging each other’s strengths, organisations can develop comprehensive strategies that reach more children and families.
He illustrated this point with examples of successful partnerships that have made a significant impact in their communities, showing how collaborative efforts can enhance outreach programmes, provide various opportunities, and create safe spaces for youth. Chris stressed that when organisations work in silos, they miss opportunities to support one another and, ultimately, the children they aim to protect.
Chris’s message resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding our youth is a collective responsibility that demands collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for all children.
This conference was different because, alongside leading professionals discussing the issue of missing children, we had the invaluable opportunity to hear from young teenage boys who shared their personal experiences of being missing. When they spoke, the room was silent; you could hear a pin drop. Albert 7, the amazing host and transformational coach, facilitated a heart-wrenching conversation about their experiences, producing tears upon tears among those in attendance.
The young boys spoke candidly about changes in their family dynamics, detailing how their needs were unmet and how they often felt ignored. They expressed a profound longing for emotional attentiveness, highlighting how this crucial support had been unfulfilled in their lives. Their stories served as a poignant reminder of the realities faced by many young people, emphasising the urgent need for us to listen, to understand, and to act in ways that foster their well-being and safety.
One young person spoke passionately about the need for parents to be more proactive in addressing criminal child exploitation. He said, “Parents, if you see your child coming home wearing something that you did not purchase, do not ignore it.” His words resonated deeply, emphasising that inaction only allows the problem to fester. He likened this to “killing the parasite,” illustrating that ignoring these signs makes the issue grow stronger and more entrenched.
His perspective highlighted the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children, urging them to stay vigilant and engaged in their lives. By addressing concerning behaviors and changes, parents can intervene early and help prevent their children from becoming victims of exploitation. His heartfelt plea underscored the importance of open communication and active involvement in children’s lives as essential tools in the fight against child exploitation.
They spoke about disconnectedness and a lack of belonging being the catalyst for their experiences. Many of the young boys expressed how feelings of isolation and not fitting in contributed to their vulnerabilities, making them susceptible to negative influences and risky situations.
This sense of alienation often stemmed from unmet emotional needs and a lack of supportive relationships, both at home and in their communities. They spoke about feeling invisible or unvalued, it opened the door to exploitation and dangerous behaviours. Their stories emphasised the crucial importance of developing a sense of belonging and connection among young people, as these elements are vital in building resilience and protecting them from harm. By creating environments where children feel loved, supported, and understood, we can help mitigate the risks they face and empower them to thrive.
Additional layer - Self Defence. They also spoke about feeling vulnerable but attacked, as their mum or dad would often judge them, making them feel ashamed and misunderstood. This judgment created an additional layer of isolation, where they felt they couldn't express their true selves or share their struggles without fear of criticism.
The young boys articulated that instead of receiving the support they desperately needed, they encountered a lack of empathy, which made their feelings of disconnection and loneliness worse. This dynamic reinforced their reluctance to seek help or confide in their parents, further pushing them away during crucial moments when they needed guidance and understanding the most. Their experiences highlighted the importance of fostering open, non-judgmental communication within families, where children can feel safe to express their vulnerabilities without the fear of being judged, ultimately allowing for healing and connection.
They spoke about Children and Social Care, expressing their frustrations with how the systems designed to protect them often fail to do so. They described pointless interviews and safety plans that, while looking good on the surface, do not address the root issues at all, rendering them a waste of time. They spoke about pointless meetings and visits and their lack of care to deep dive into the real issues that resulted in the safeguarding concern.
These young boys shared their experiences openly, illustrating how the bureaucratic processes often overlook the complexities of their situations, leaving them feeling unheard and unprotected. Their insights were not just complaints; they were educational, highlighting the gaps in the system and the need for a more holistic approach to child welfare.
They emphasised that real change requires understanding the individual circumstances of each child and providing genuine support that goes beyond paperwork and policies. Their voices shed light on the urgent need for reform within social care systems to ensure that they truly serve the best interests of children, prioritising their safety and well-being above all else.
NO ONE WAS EXPECTING THAT LEVEL OF DEPTH THAT TRIGGERED TEARS AND PRODUCED TISSUES.
After these amazing teens spoke, the mood shifted dramatically. People began to realise that the teens were not Apex Warriors or gang bangers; they were little boys who wanted to be loved and understood. The raw honesty in their stories shattered preconceived notions and stereotypes, revealing their vulnerability and humanity.
As they shared their struggles and desires for connection, it became clear that the world often views them as something to be frowned upon or feared, rather than as children in need of support and guidance. This powerful revelation sparked a collective sense of empathy in the room, prompting attendees to reconsider how they perceive and engage with young people in their communities.
Finally, the conference created a space for a group of parents who participated in MAG's Empowering Families Programme. Often, when a young person goes missing, we forget that parents and trusted adults may not have the capacity to support their child; they may lack the necessary tools or find that their approaches are outdated. The Empowering Families Programme was designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical strategies and resources to better respond to their children's needs in times of crisis.
This segment became another emotional moment, as parents shared their challenges and vulnerabilities, revealing the heavy weight of fear and uncertainty they carried. They opened up about feelings of helplessness and the difficulties they faced in trying to communicate effectively with their children. However, they also spoke about how the programme empowered them, providing them with new tools and insights that helped them become better parents and caregivers.
This was a beautiful moment where raw emotions intersected with hope. As parents connected over their shared experiences, the atmosphere shifted to one of solidarity and resilience. They embraced the idea that while the journey of parenting can be challenging, they now have a community and resources to help guide them. The recognition that they could support each other in their shared mission of safeguarding their children marked a profound conclusion to the conference, emphasising the importance of collective action and mutual support in addressing the complexities of youth vulnerability.
WHERE WERE THE MEN? PRIVATE REFLECTIONS
When the conference finished, no one went home. The atmosphere was electric as everyone flooded around the young boys and guest speakers, creating a vibrant marketplace of ideas and connections. Attendees eagerly networked, exchanging thoughts and contact information, united by a shared commitment to addressing the issues discussed.
One mother approached Davis the orgainser, expressing her deep concern about the absence of men's voices at the conference. She reflected, "Is this just a women's problem? Where were all the men's groups? Why don't they support young boys?"
This lack of representation raises important questions about societal perceptions of masculinity and responsibility. Many men may feel hesitant to engage in issues traditionally associated with women or children's welfare, believing it is outside their remit. The reality is that the well-being of boys and young men is a collective concern that requires input from all genders.
The mother’s observation points to a broader societal issue: the urgent need for men to actively participate in conversations about youth vulnerability and support initiatives that foster healthy development and emotional well-being. It highlights the importance of creating spaces where men feel welcome and empowered to contribute, share their experiences, and take on mentoring roles.
Engaging men in these discussions not only enriches the conversation but also helps challenge stereotypes about masculinity.
