12-year-old runaway in the care of CPS missing from Poughkeepsie group home for nearly 2 weeks
The child was placed by Schenectady Child Protective Services at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie early January, according to her mother, after running away from their home in Schenectady multiple times.
Authorities are searching for a missing 12-year-old who ran away from a group home in Poughkeepsie nearly two weeks ago while in the care of Child Protective Services.
Miamor Rivera was placed by Schenectady Child Protective Services at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie early January, according to her mother, after running away from their home in Schenectady multiple times.
“I believe she can be in a really bad situation that she may not be able to get herself out of this time,” says Jennifer Howard, Rivera’s mother.
No one has seen or heard from Rivera in nearly two weeks and Town of Poughkeepsie police say the child does not have a cellphone or an electronic device that could be tracked.
The girl was reported missing on Jan. 25 and is listed on the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse.
Howard says she voluntarily placed her daughter in the care of CPS for the child’s safety to help Rivera receive mental health resources. She says the girl had an ankle monitor on that she cut off after running away from the group home the week before when she was allegedly found at an Orange County motel being sex trafficked.
“She’s only 12,” says Howard, “12-year-olds can’t make that decision to do anything. I am so concerned for her safety. I have been yelling, screaming, crying for CPS to help. She was supposed to be on a one-on-one watch, and she took off.”
A representative for Schenectady Child Protective Services didn’t comment on the circumstances of the child’s disappearance but says the agency is working with multiple agencies to find Rivera.
“We are working with the agencies involved in the search and investigation and ask anyone who may have any information about Miamor’s whereabouts or any relevant details to reach out to the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department at 845-485-3666 or the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 800-346-3543,” says Schenectady County Director of Public Communications Erin Laiacona.
Town of Poughkeepsie police say they’re aware that the girl previously ran away from the group home and was found in Orange County but didn’t have any further information. They say state police are also investigating. News 12 has reached out to the police agency for further information but has yet to hear back.
In the meantime, Howard is hoping someone will recognize her daughter and come forward to help.
“It’s like your worst nightmare,” Howard says. “I’m just begging and pleading, if anyone sees her just call 911.”
Rivera is described as 5 feet, three inches tall, 133 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities say she was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and clear-framed glasses.
