Sixty-three children and teens reported as runaways were found safe, due to the efforts of a first-of-its-kind operation in the Capital Region.

More than 60 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies joined together for the Missing Child Rescue Operation.

The goal of this is to explore new leads, review case notes, and use cutting-edge technology to find children who are at risk of harm.

The children ranged in age from 2 to 17 years old when they were reported missing, and from 6 to 22 years old when found.

The Albany Police Department alone closed 47 cases as a result.

“Speaking for the city of Albany, we have group homes where vulnerable children are placed there, and have already been traumatized that are being helped by these agencies and wind up on the streets,” said Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox. “They end up victims. Sometimes they’re victimized in the city of Albany, sometimes from as far away as Florida.”

Services and support will be given to the children that were recovered, hopefully preventing future episodes.