Critical First Steps When a Child Goes Missing
In the immediate aftermath of a child's disappearance, knowing the correct procedure and acting with speed is paramount. The initial hours are often the most critical, and the very first action should always be to contact the police without delay.
Shockingly, more than 70,000 children are reported missing each year in Britain. While the majority are located swiftly, alerting the authorities early significantly increases the likelihood of a safe and quick return.
Understanding the Risks and the Police Response
Paul Joseph, the head of helplines at the charity Missing People, emphasised the gravity of the situation. "It’s all about minimising people coming to harm or being at serious risk of harm," he told The Independent. "And we know that when somebody is missing, they’re more likely to come to harm." On average, one missing child dies every week in the UK.
To report someone missing, you can call the non-emergency number 101 or use your local police force's online reporting system. However, if the situation is urgent – which it always is when a child disappears – you must call 999 immediately.
The police will expect you to have made some basic checks, such as contacting family and friends, but they strongly advise against conducting your own search. It is always better to make contact sooner rather than later so that officers can begin their investigation promptly.
How You Can Help and Where to Find Support
When you file a report, be prepared to provide as much detail as possible. This includes the location where the child was last seen, a description of their clothing, any belongings they had with them, and places they frequently visit. A physical description, including distinguishing features like scars or birthmarks, is also vital.
It is crucial to inform the police immediately if there is anything that makes the child particularly vulnerable, such as a medical condition, mental health issue, or a known risk from specific individuals.
Parm Sandhu, a former chief superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, stressed that even if a child has gone missing repeatedly, it is still essential to contact the authorities every time. "The police are never going to say, ‘Why do you keep reporting this child missing?’" she said. "The job of the police is to keep people safe – and that includes children."
After a report is filed, police aim to respond within an hour, assessing the level of risk before deciding on their next steps, which could include searching the home, checking local hospitals, reviewing CCTV, or door-to-door enquiries.
For emotional support or advice, the charity Missing People is available around the clock. If you are a child in need of help, you can call Childline on 0800 1111. Adults worried about a child can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
The Independent has partnered with Missing People to launch the SafeCall campaign, aiming to raise £165,000 to create a free, confidential service offering support and safety advice to missing children. You can support this vital service by donating.
For immediate, confidential, and non-judgemental advice if you or someone you love goes missing, you can text or call Missing People on 116 000 at any time.
