Steps to Take for Missing Children
The First 48 Hours are Critical
One of the scariest things that can happen in the life of a family is to have a child come up missing. No one really knows how it feels until happens in your family. Whether you are reading this for information to keep in mind, or as a guide to help you through this situation, the main thing to remember is you are not alone. It weighs on the mind of almost every parent in the world.
The first 48 hours that a child has gone missing are the most critical hours in terms of recovering a lost child. Unfortunately, they are also the most stressful and sad periods, as well. Use the tips below to help increase the chances of recovering a missing child. Even if 48 hours pass and a child has not been found, never give up hope and keeping looking.
First 24 Hours
- Report your missing child to your local law enforcement agency. You do not have to wait a full 24 hours to report, if it is a minor (child under 18) who is missing.
- Have a detailed description of your child, including the clothes he was wearing, any personal items that he might have had with him, and mannerism or distinct features (glasses, birthmarks, etc.) that could help identify him.
- Develop a list of friends and relatives that might know of your child's whereabouts. Give your law enforcement investigator any information about new neighbors, suspicious vehicles, or any other clues that you can think of that might help the case.
- Gather recent photos of your child (black and white, as well as color) and call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-THE-LOST) to ask for help in getting your child's photo distributed.
- Always keep a notepad with you to write down and details that come to your mind during this time. Let your law enforcement investigator know when you have new details.
Within 48 Hours
- Contact your law enforcement investigator to see what steps are being taken to find your child.
- You may be asked to take a polygraph test. Don't take this personal, but there are times when a family will purposely report their child missing, when they have actually been the abductors. It is a standard procedure.
- Work with your law enforcement investigator to develop press releases and contact media for help.
- Start thinking about a reward that is feasible for your family. Experts suggest not giving a reward from your family's personal funds, as this can cause a burden on your family, if you miss work for an extended period of time.
- Install a second telephone line in your home with call forwarding. Law enforcement can place a tap on your phone. Make sure you have a cell phone with you at all times, so you can receive calls no matter where you are.
- Start generating a list of duties that volunteers could help you with, including participating in a physical search, designing and distributing fliers, preparing meals for your family, running errands, etc. People want to help, and no task is too small to ask for help.
*These lists are not all-inclusive, so be sure to stay in close contact with your law enforcement investigator for more information.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Charles B. Wang International Children's Building
699 Prince Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3175
(1-800-THE-LOST)
Law Enforcement Officer
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