Czech Republic launches missing children helpline

The Czech Republic has started operating an emergency help line for missing children. The helpline, which is already in operation in 22 EU member states, offers advice and emotional support to the parents of a missing child as well as to children themselves. Helpline staff will also cooperate with the police in order to assist investigations. Last year the police searched for over 5,500 missing children and were successful in 98 percent of cases. The launch of the helpline coincides with a two-day international conference on missing children in Solenice, central Bohemia.