By Marnie Keller
Missing children reports in 2000 increased slightly over 1999 according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
There were 876,213 total missing persons reported in 2000, an increase of one percent over the 1999 total according to information compiled by the FBI.
'Experts estimate that children and youth comprise almost 90 percent of missing persons reports,' according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The total number of missing children reported to the police and entered into the FBI''s National Crime Information Center in 2000 remained at approximately 2,100 children per day, down from 2,200 per day in 1998.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that total missing persons reports dropped by seven percent in 1999, following a five percent decline in 1998. The all-time high number of missing persons reports was in 1997 at 980,712.
Reports have climbed from 154,341 in 1982 to 876,213 in 2000 since the Missing Children''s Act in 1982 was passed.
The FBI report also stated that 120,726 missing persons reported in 2000 were considered endangered.
These children were forcefully abducted or kidnapped, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The Polly Klaas Foundation is an organization whose goal is to educate people about preventing kidnappings and missing children.
The foundation was first organized in 1993 when Polly Klaas, a 12-year-old girl, was kidnapped at knifepoint from her bedroom.
The mission of the organization is to make America safe for children.
One of the organization''s goals is to increase education, technical assistance and support for individuals attempting to prevent crimes against children, according to the Klaas Foundation.
Another goal is to assist in the recovery of missing children.
'Polly is truly ''America''s child.'' The Polly Klaas Foundation is committed to turning the tragedy of her death into a force of positive change for the protection of our children,' according to the Klaas Foundation.
The Klaas Foundation suggests that parents get involved in their community by participating in volunteer programs supporting local law enforcement agencies.
The foundation suggests that parents keep current identification of their children in a safe and accessible place.
Parents should never leave children alone or unattended in public places. And, before leaving children at a daycare or preschool, parents should check out the qualifications and references of the care facility.