Reporting a Missing Child
If a child is missing, report immediately. There is no legal requirement to wait 24 hours — this is a myth. Police take all reports of missing children seriously from the moment they are made. A missing child is considered a high-risk situation until proven otherwise. Early reporting gives the best chance of a safe return.
Immediate danger — call 999
Call 999 now if a child is missing. Do not wait. Every minute matters when a child cannot be located.
What to report
- •A child who cannot be located and whose whereabouts are unknown
- •A child who has run away from home, a care placement, or school
- •A child who has not returned at an expected time and is not responding to contact
- •A child who you believe has been taken without parental permission or authority
- •A child missing in circumstances suggesting they may be at risk (e.g. following a disclosure of abuse or exploitation)
How to report
Police — 999 (call immediately)
When to use
The moment you cannot locate a child and cannot reach them
How to contact
Call 999. State that a child is missing, give the child's name, age, physical description, and last known location. Provide your name and relationship to the child.
What to expect
Police will open a missing person enquiry immediately. They will conduct an initial risk assessment to prioritise the response. Officers may search the local area, contact the child's school and friends, and in higher-risk cases, alert neighbouring forces and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Missing Persons Unit.
Missing People charity — 116 000
When to use
For ongoing support during the search, advice on what to do, or if the child has been missing before and contacts this number themselves
How to contact
Call 116 000 (free, 24/7) — this is also a number a missing young person can call. Missing People provides practical support to families and is a direct line missing people can ring to make contact safely.
What to expect
Missing People will provide emotional support, practical guidance, and can share appeals via their social media networks with over a million followers. They work alongside police and will not replace the police investigation.
Social media — share via verified networks
When to use
In parallel with police, to help locate the child quickly
How to contact
Share the child's description and photo via community groups, local Facebook groups, and Missing People's social media pages. Do NOT include home address or details that could help a potential abductor.
What to expect
Public appeals can produce sightings quickly. Coordinate with police before posting, so the information is consistent with their investigation.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- A recent clear photo of the child — ideally taken within the last few weeks
- Physical description: height, build, hair colour/length, eye colour, distinguishing marks
- What the child was wearing when last seen
- Last confirmed location and time you last had contact
- Names of friends, places the child regularly visits, social media accounts
- Any context that might explain the disappearance — argument at home, recent distress, mention of going somewhere
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting a missing child. The child's name is [name], aged [age]. They were last seen at [location] at approximately [time] today / on [date]. They are [height], [build], with [hair description], and were wearing [clothing description]. I am their [parent/carer/other]. I have contacted [friends / school / their phone] and have not been able to locate them. I am very concerned because [reason if relevant]."
What happens next
Police will conduct a risk assessment and begin immediate enquiries. In high-risk cases (very young children, children with vulnerabilities, or circumstances suggesting abduction or exploitation), police will escalate to a full search operation. Missing People will support the family throughout. Most missing children are found within 24 hours, but every case is treated seriously from the outset.
What not to do
- ✗Do not wait 24 hours — report immediately
- ✗Do not assume the child will come home on their own — report now and cancel if they return
- ✗Do not share the child's home address in public social media appeals
- ✗Do not go searching alone in areas you do not know — coordinate with police
- ✗Do not delete recent messages or search histories on the child's devices before police have had a chance to examine them
Frequently asked questions
Is it true police won't act for 24 hours?
No. This is a persistent myth. Police forces across the UK are required to record all missing person reports immediately and risk-assess them without any waiting period. A child missing is always treated as high priority.
The child has run away before — should I still report?
Yes, always report, regardless of previous incidents. Each missing episode must be assessed on its own merits. Children who run away repeatedly are often at increased risk of exploitation and may need additional support.
Sources and further information
- Missing People — 116 000 — Missing People charity
- NPCC — Missing Persons — National Police Chiefs' Council
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.