When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
I remember standing in the middle of the chaos
thinking, I wish I had a book to tell me what to do.
-- Colleen Nick
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you
Isaiah 66:13
This is a document published by The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This is information
that everyone should have. We, along with OJJDP encourage you to print or copy this and distribute it
wherever you can.
I pray that you or anyone you know will never need it, but you'll have it if you do. There are so many
terrible people out there that prey on our children and we must do whatever we can to protect them.
Never under estimate the power of prayer.
Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Checklist: What You Should Do When Your Child Is First Missing Chapter 1: The Search
Your Role in the Search: The First 48 Hours
The Role of Law Enforcement in the Search
The Role of Volunteers in the Search
After the First 48 Hours: The Long-Term Search
The Role of Private Detectives and Psychics in the Long-Term Search
Key Points
Checklist: Gathering Evidence in the First 48 Hours
Chapter 2: Law Enforcement
Your Partnership With Law Enforcement
Key Points
Checklist: Working With Law Enforcement
Chapter 3: The Media
Media Involvement: The First 48 Hours
Media Involvement: After the First 48 Hours
Key Points
Checklist: Conducting Interviews With the Media
Chapter 4: Photo and Flier Distribution
Photo and Flier Distribution: The First 48 Hours
Photo and Flier Distribution: After the First 48 Hours
Key Points
Checklist: Distributing Fliers
Chapter 5: Volunteers
Making the Best Use of Volunteers
Using Untrained Volunteers in the Search Effort
Using Trained Volunteers in the Search Effort
Key Points
Checklist: Working With Volunteer Searchers
Chapter 6: Rewards and Donations
Monetary Rewards
Monetary Donations
Key Points
Checklist: Selecting a Tipline for Leads
Chapter 7: Personal and Family Considerations
Regaining Your Emotional and Physical Strength
Mentally Preparing for the Long Term
Helping Your Children To Regain Their Physical and Emotional Strength
Helping Extended Family Members To Regain Their Physical and Emotional Strength
Key Points
Checklist: Figuring Out How To Pay Your Bills
