For weeks, the name Robbie was spoken with urgency. Sixteen years old, missing since July 17, he had left a residential program in Providence and disappeared into the summer heat. His flyer was shared across Rhode Island, his details repeated on phone calls, in shelters, and among neighbors who were asked to keep watch.
On September 2, 2025, Providence Police located Robbie. According to the department, he was found safe. Tonight, we can share the news with relief and gratitude.
Why This Matters
Runaway youth are often overlooked, their disappearances dismissed as inevitable, their safety assumed. But Robbie’s story reminds us why we cannot let that happen. He was vulnerable and at risk of harm. For young people in and out of group homes and shelters, running is not just rebellion — it can be a survival strategy, a response to trauma, or a way of seeking belonging.
That’s why every flyer, every share, and every call matters. It means someone cared enough to treat his absence as urgent.
A Special Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Providence Police Department for their work in locating Robbie. Their commitment brought this search to a close with relief and hope. Missing children are found because communities — including law enforcement, families, and neighbors — refuse to stop looking. We are also grateful to the community members who shared his flyer and kept watch.
Looking Ahead
Though Robbie is safe, the challenges facing runaway and system-involved youth remain. Many who go missing once are at risk of doing so again. Many are still vulnerable to exploitation, homelessness, and cycles of instability.
Our hope is that Robbie’s safe return will spark broader conversations about:
- How we respond to runaway youth with compassion rather than dismissal.
- The need for stability and support in group homes, shelters, and foster care.
- Why awareness campaigns are vital, even when a child is thought to have “just run away.”
For Families and Youth
If you or someone you love is struggling — if leaving feels like the only option — know that there are safe, confidential resources:
- National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY | 1800runaway.org
- National Safe Place: Text SAFE and your location to 4HELP (44357)
- NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children): 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)
Carrying Forward
Robbie’s safe return is a moment to breathe, to feel relief, and to remember why every missing child matters. For every Robbie who makes it home, there are still others waiting. We will continue to tell their stories, share their faces, and keep our communities watchful.
Because every child deserves to be seen.
I’m a volunteer with New England Missing, where I manage the website, social media, and help bring attention to the stories that matter most. I’m based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and I’ve spent years working behind the scenes as a digital content creator and writer. I believe in the power of community, clarity, and compassion. That’s what drives the work I do here.