The moment you know or suspect your child is missing, call 911 immediately! There is no waiting period. There is a common assumption that families must wait 24 hours before a missing person report can be filed. This is false. Trust your instincts, and act fast. Early reporting and investigation can play a vital role in a successful search effort.
Being Prepared Can Save Your Child’s Life
When your child has gone missing, you may naturally be feeling lost, confused, or isolated, trying to make sense of the situation. In order to help recover your child in the midst of such chaos, it is important to remember that time is the enemy. Recent statistics demonstrate the importance of preplanning and initial response immediately after a child goes missing to ensure successful recovery.
The first 48 hours following a child’s disappearance are the most critical to make sure a child gets returned home safely. However, the first 3 hours are the most crucial window of time for an initial response, as well as for gathering all available resources you have on your child. It is important to know how you can be best prepared should a situation like this arise in your family or community.
Quick Tips for Families
Gather Recent Information
Be prepared to provide a physical description, clothing information, medical concerns and details about where the person was last seen.
Provide Digital Information
Share relevant phone numbers, social media accounts, and known locations or contacts that may help investigators.
Share a Recent Photo
Every second counts when someone goes missing. Submitting a clear, recent photo is the single most powerful tool you have to help bring them home safely. To submit a photo to the Clearinghouse, please click here: Iowa MPIC
Contact Family and Friends
Reach out to relatives, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to ask if anyone has seen or heard from the person recently.
Check Likely Locations
Check places they frequent including their workplace, school, and locations within the community. Include places they frequent for hobbies, recreation, or social activities.
Use Social Media Carefully
Use social media to spread the word about your missing loved one but be careful not to share sensitive information that could compromise the investigation. Include a law enforcement contact number, use the person's age rather than their full date of birth, and use caution when providing personal contact information (direct any tips back to law enforcement if possible).
