FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
One More Child Plays Critical Role in Largest Child-Recovery Operation in U.S. History
One More Child partnered with U.S. Marshals Service, multiple law enforcement agencies and other organizations for Operation Home for the Holidays.
TAMPA, Fla., – One More Child joined the United States Marshals Service and other federal, state, local and non-governmental organizations for an operation resulting in the recovery of 122 missing or endangered children.
Operation Home for the Holidays was a two-week initiative consisting of a joint multi-disciplinary task force that worked across Central Florida and into nine other states to locate or recover vulnerable youth.
“Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways.”
“The United States Marshals Service is proud to stand with our partners across the state of Florida in pursuit of the safety and welfare of our children,” said United States Marshal for the Middle District of Florida Bill Berger. “This operation was built based upon the wants and needs of our communities. We are honored to play a leading role in answering those calls.”
“Operation Home for the Holidays is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with urgency and shared purpose to recover Florida’s most vulnerable children,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor N. Hatch. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DCF continues to seize opportunities to collaborate with local, state and federal partners to maximize our impact—this time, bringing more than 120 children to safety.”
During the Operation, One More Child’s Anti-Trafficking Mobile Teams were stationed at multiple intake locations, working alongside partner organizations to ensure the recovered children received immediate engagement to services, including medical care, mental health services, youth advocacy and safe child placement with ongoing support. Children served ranged from age 2 to 17.
“I am deeply grateful for the U.S. Marshals Service, along with each organization and individual who had a role in this massive operation,” said One More Child President & CEO Stephen Robert. “This kind of monumental impact only becomes possible when we join forces to fight for the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to this effort, the lives of 122 children have been forever changed, giving them hope, safety and paths to brighter futures.”
About One More Child:
One More Child operates in 29 states and 19 countries around the world, meeting the needs of foster children, hungry children, single moms, struggling families and sex-trafficked children and vulnerable adults. In 2024, One More Child provided direct services to 271,193 children and individuals while impacting an additional 100,692 individuals through advocacy, trainings, awareness and volunteering. One More Child provided more than 18.7 million meals nationally and globally. For more information visit www.onemorechild.org.
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(photo by: Florida’s Office of Attorney General)
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announces success in the recovery of 122 missing children during Operation Home for the Holidays.
One More Child’s Anti-Trafficking Mobile Team played a critical role in one of the largest child-recovery operations in U.S. history.