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Step 1
If there is a fear that a child is missing, begin by searching the area. If the child is small, begin with the house checking closets, cabinets, under tables, in the back yard, garage, piles of laundry, in and under beds, inside large appliances, and inside vehicles, including trunks or wherever a child may crawl or hide. If the child is older, include calls and/or visits to friends and neighbors. Also include local places like the school or park. If possible recruit other friends or neighbors to help search. Also ask all the neighbors and other kids in the neighborhood when the last time they saw the child. Help the family recruit people to look, help with the search or help make phone calls.
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Step 2
If you are in a store, mall, or gated amusement park, help find the manager. A manager has the authority to call a Code Adam. A Code Adam is a procedure where all entrances and exits will be locked. The local police are then usually notified by the manager. The local police will respond to assist in the effort to find and return the child safely.
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Step 3
If, after searching all potential locations the child still has not been found, then call the immediate local law enforcement agency. Help the family to be prepared to provide child's name, date of birth, height, weight, and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses, braces and what clothing he or she was wearing.
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Step 4
When the call is made, inform the family to state that they want the child's name and identifying information be immediately entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File. By law, the police have 2 hours after initial contact to report to the NCIC. After reporting the child missing to law enforcement, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at the toll-free telephone number: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
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Step 5
You can then help the family by staying with them to offer support. You can also help with keeping the other children in the family occupied or calm. Other calls to other family member may also need to be made. Try to help do the other tasks that need to be completed but family will be unable to complete at the time. Cooking or obtaining food may also be helpful, as eating is usually the last thing the family will be thinking about.
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Step 6
Remember that the family is in a state of shock. They will need continued nurturing and support. Continually seek to offer assistance, time, love and support. Also, help spread the word. Use all your social networks to get out pictures and information to allow others to help as well.
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Step 7
Lastly, help the family obtain professional help or support systems. Professional help is often important to help with the overwhelming feelings being experienced. In addition, support groups are helpful as they are a group of people who have or are experiencing a situation that is similar. There are some resources below.
Comments
maryladd said
on 11/23/2009 I know you have been deeply affected by this incident and I have prayed for Lindsey. I am sending this article to others..this is something that will help keep these incidents in mind and good info to help..recommended you and gave this article 5 *
ladym33 said
on 8/20/2009 All parents should read this.