1

Missing Children Poster Contest

Attention 5th Graders!

2026 National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest Information Coming Soon

Each year the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) takes time to commemorate the valiant and unselfish acts of the many organizations and individuals who bring our missing children home. 

Since 1983, May 25th has been designated as National Missing Children's Day. May 25th is the anniversary of when Etan Patz went missing in 1979. Every year DOJ sponsors a national poster contest and announces the winner at the annual National Missing Children's Day Ceremony in Washington, DC. The winner of this national contest, along with his or her teacher and parents, are brought to Washington, DC to attend a special ceremony. 

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is the state contest manager for Colorado. The contest is open to all 5th grade students and you are invited to join us in our efforts to educate children across the country about safety issues.