A missing person is a person who has disappeared from their usual place of residence or work. There are a variety of reasons why people may disappear, including mental health problems, family dysfunction, issues associated with puberty, peer pressure and drugs and alcohol. Missing persons are a public safety issue with serious implications for family and friends, particularly when a loved one has a history of depression or other mental illness.
There are a number of ways to locate a missing person, but the most important first step is to contact the police in the jurisdiction where your loved one disappeared. Providing a full physical description and the date and time of when they went missing is essential, as well as ensuring that their name is added to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. It is also a good idea to contact hospitals, jails and coroners in the jurisdiction where your loved one was last seen.
In addition to a thorough police check, children should always be offered a “Prevention Interview” or “Safe and Well Check.” These are more in-depth and supportive conversations that can help identify risks and harm, provide access to longer term support and prevent future missing episodes. In addition, a missing person’s photograph can be circulated in the media to help generate leads and increase visibility. This can be done by contacting local news outlets, posting on Facebook and using a variety of other social media platforms.
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