Each year, JWRC receives around 65 specific case assistance requests, which primarily involve runaways, missing youth, non-family abductions and issues related to child sexual exploitation.  JWRC works closely with law enforcement, national and local non-profit organizations including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, legislators, and the media to assist victim families. Access to expert assistance and emotional support during the difficult process of locating a missing child or finding support for exploited children has a profound impact on victim families who often don't know where to start.

24-Hour Case Assistance
Although JWRC focuses its attention on the prevention of child sexual exploitation and abduction, the reality is that abductions and exploitations continue to occur. When a child or teen goes missing, family and friends are often left feeling overwhelmed. The Jacob Wetterling Resource Center provides the necessary tools and services to empower victim families and friends. JWRC facilitates communication with agencies available to victim families such as law enforcement, other non-profit organizations, and the media.  Families that are aware of the resources available to them are better able to seek services that may lead to their child's recovery.

Through JWRC's helpline, 1-800-325-HOPE (or locally 651-714-4673), trained staff members can be paged 24 hours a day, seven days a week to handle emergency situations of missing and exploited children.  

Family Gathering
For the past seven years, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center has hosted the Family Gathering event for families of missing and/or murdered children in Minnesota. Family Gathering gives participants the opportunity to build support networks and friendships with other families who have experienced similar losses. Through this gathering, victim families receive emotional support, coping strategies and education related to victim family rights. Breakout sessions, large group work and an evening reception create safe environments for participants to share thoughts or feelings regarding the crime committed, the persons involved in response to their case, changes of legal policies and practices, and the reaction of the community. Participants are encouraged to openly share their experiences in an environment free from the judgment many experience at home and in their communities. Each participant is able to explore his/her reactions, how he/she has adapted to life, and what steps to take next. A recent participant said it best, "Dwelling on the past without taking action to move forward in positive ways can cause greater pain and can immobilize you further…circle time is painful but helpful."