Authorities in Oregon are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing children, Julian and Mahina Hawes, who were last seen in Bend on 23 July. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has raised concerns over the children’s safety and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
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Julian, aged 10, and Mahina, aged 9, were reported missing earlier this week, prompting a significant response from local law enforcement and child welfare agencies. Although specific details regarding the circumstances of their disappearance remain undisclosed, officials have indicated that the children may be in potential danger.
Physical descriptions of the missing siblings have been released to aid in the search. Julian is characterised as having short blonde hair and green eyes. He stands at approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 85 pounds. In contrast, Mahina is described as having shoulder-length hair, which is a mix of blonde and sandy brown, along with green eyes. She is reportedly 4 feet 2 inches in height and weighs about 65 pounds. Information regarding the clothing they were wearing at the time of their disappearance has not been provided.
Local authorities believe that the children may still be in the vicinity of Bend or in the nearby town of Redmond, located around 17 miles to the north. The ODHS has confirmed that in situations where children are missing, they can face significant risks, highlighting the importance of locating them swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being.
In their statement, the ODHS underscored the challenge of such cases, explaining that sometimes children go missing multiple times, which may result in repeated public alerts. These alerts are essential to inform the community and galvanise efforts for the children’s safe return.
The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline has been designated as a resource for reporting any suspected incidents of child neglect or abuse. The hotline, which operates under the number 1-855-503-SAFE (7233), is available for anyone who may have witnessed concerning behaviours related to the children’s welfare.
The public is strongly urged to assist in this search by either reporting sightings of the Hawes children or providing any pertinent information to law enforcement by calling 911. Those with concerns about child abuse are also encouraged to reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. This hotline offers 24/7, confidential support in over 170 languages.
The urgency surrounding this case has drawn attention both locally and beyond, as communities rally to assist in the safe recovery of Julian and Mahina. As the search continues, authorities remain hopeful that increased awareness can expedite their return.
In the wake of these developments, the OSHD is taking all necessary steps to engage with the public and ensure as many people as possible are aware of the situation. The children’s safety remains the top priority, and every bit of information could potentially be invaluable to their search.
Residents of the area are advised to keep a vigilant eye out for the Hawes children, as even minor clues may aid in this serious case. The urgency communicated by officials highlights the critical nature of the circumstances, as the well-being of Julian and Mahina is paramount.
As this story unfolds, further updates will be issued through official channels, and the community is encouraged to stay informed and involved in the ongoing efforts to locate these missing children.