We are here to help you!
Download the Checklist to help guide you through
the steps to finding a missing person.
FIRST STEPS CHECKLIST (Missing CHILD)
• CALL 911! Contact your nearest police department to report the child missing immediately.
Be ready with age, height, weight, hair/eye color, tattoos, facial hair, scars, and description of what they are wearing. Look for a couple clear photographs to give to law enforcement. Take note of the police report number and who you spoke with.
• Completely search the surrounding area the child disappeared from.
Enlist the help of as many people as possible. Call friends and family to help you look.
• Check with neighbors and businesses nearby for video.
Have them review any video footage in the applicable time period for sightings of the child. Video files often only last a short period of time so do this ASAP.
• Gather any wireless devices or computers your child uses.
Do not attempt to conduct a search of these devices on your own, for risk of losing important data. Turning on a phone can change the last ping data. Ask law enforcement to look in any gaming, chat, and social networking websites your child uses.
• If your child is a teen, contact all friends and parents and try to determine last contact.
Take notes you can pass on to Law Enforcement along with contact information.
• Alert Law Enforcement of any person who has shown your child unusual attention recently.
New friends? Has your child been talking about any person in particular and making plans with them? Any information you can give to Law Enforcement to investigate is helpful.
• Verify with Law Enforcement your child has been listed with NCIC.
Federal law requires law enforcement to enter information about a missing child into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) within two hours after the receipt of the report.
• Ask Law Enforcement what steps they will be taking next.
Will they be canvassing the neighborhood? Will they be initiating an Amber Alert? What advice do they have for you to do immediately?
• Contact the NCMEC.
Report your missing child to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST® (1-800-843-5678). Website: MissingKids.org
• Contact us to help you spread awareness online and in your community.
We can help you with your missing person campaign and get the word out quickly. Social Media is the quickest way to get your missing persons' photo and description circulated and engage the community to help locate him/her. We utilize Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok and recommend local residents post to the Nextdoor, Neighbors and Citizen applications as soon as possible.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN TAKING STEPS TO LOCATE A MISSING CHILD.
This list has been put together based on our experience from advocating for missing persons only as a guide for you to start with. Be sure to practice self care and lean on others during this traumatic time. Having a support system will help tremendously.
FIRST STEPS CHECKLIST (Missing Adult)
• Check with all the missing persons friends and other family members.
When was the last time someone heard from them? Ask for details, where, when, what were they wearing etc. Take written notes.
• Check with the missing person place of employment or school.
When was the last date/time they were in attendance? Take down the name of the person you speak with.
• Check social media for the last time they were active.
Take written notes to pass on to law enforcement.
• Gather any wireless devices or computers the missing person uses or has access to.
Do not attempt to conduct a search of these devices on your own, for risk of losing important data. Turning on a phone can change the last ping data. Ask law enforcement to look for clues in any gaming, chat and social-networking websites they use.
• Determine if they are on foot or driving a vehicle.
If they are driving, put together a description of the vehicle and photos if you have them. Save for law enforcement.
• If you suspect foul play...
Preserve the crime scene by not touching anything or entering the area. Take as many photos as necessary and seek law enforcement advice immediately.
• Check with neighbors and businesses nearby for video.
Have them review any video footage in the applicable time period for sightings of the person.
• Contact your nearest police department to report the person missing.
Use your notes and include age, height, weight, hair/eye color, tattoos, facial hair, scars, and description of what they wearing. Look for a couple clear photographs to provide law enforcement. Take note of the police report number and who you spoke with. Request they be reported to NCIC (National Crime Information Center) as soon as possible. Follow up at a later date to insure they have been entered.
• Ask Law Enforcement what steps they will be taking next.
Will they be canvassing the neighborhood? Will they be putting out an alert? Do they qualify for a silver or endangered alert? What advice do they have for you to do immediately?
• Add your missing person to NAMUS
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System can be accessed at: https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/ You can submit DNA to help identify any potential remains. Entry into Namus require the investigating police department to verify and submit their information. Due to their heavy workload and demand most of the time they will wait until an initial investigation has taken place to submit to NAMUS.
• Contact us to help you spread awareness online and in your community.
Our expertise can support your missing person campaign by swiftly disseminating information. Leveraging the power of social media, we ensure rapid circulation of your loved one's photo and details, fostering community engagement for their safe return. Our comprehensive strategy spans platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Additionally, we advise leveraging local networks such as Nextdoor, Neighbors, and Citizen applications for immediate outreach.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN TAKING STEPS TO LOCATE A MISSING LOVED ONE.
This list has been put together based on our experience from advocating for missing persons only as a guide for you to start with. Be sure to practice self care and lean on others during this traumatic time. Having a support system will help tremendously.
Call 844 MIA LOST
If your child is missing, you don’t have to face it alone.
📞 Call (844) MIA-LOST — we're here to help
or submit an online request here.
The Missing In America Network is dedicated to supporting families through every step of the search.
You are not alone. We’re just a phone call away. 💙