Your child’s safety is always a top priority, so losing a child can be an extremely scary and overwhelming experience, especially because it is not uncommon for a child to go missing. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, “about 28,000 missing children reports were made to Florida law enforcement agencies” in 2022.

Knowing what to do in such a situation can be crucial to your child’s recovery. There are also preventative actions you can take to ensure your child knows how to avoid dangerous situations. This can also help them learn what to do if they realize they are lost. Also, knowing the steps to take when you find a child you believe might be lost is vital. This can help them reunite with their parents. It is always good to be well informed, especially on matters that can ensure the safety of your children and the children of others.

What to do if your child is missing

Immediately notify police If your child goes missing at home, search areas where they might be hidden, such as in closets or cabinets, underneath beds, under vehicles or in other areas both inside and around your home
If your child goes missing in a store, notify an employee. The store will most likely have their own procedures and assist in the search for your child
Ask law enforcement about the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This can be crucial to finding your child by using shared law enforcement information
Refrain from moving or touching anything in your child’s bedroom or play area to keep from tampering with any potential evidence
Answer any questions from law enforcement and write down as many details as you can remember about what your child was wearing, circumstances of their disappearance, what has already been done to try and recover your child and any other details you think may be relevant
Remember to obtain the name and contact information of the investigator assigned to your child’s case
Reference the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s “When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide” online for free

How to prevent your child from getting lost

Tell them not to wander off and make sure to always keep their eyes on you
Make sure that babysitters, childcare providers and summer camp employees are trusted individuals or the organizations perform background checks on their staff
If you are going to an event or crowded area, consider placing your phone number on a bracelet or clothing or backpack tag
Be aware of social media and individuals that may be contacting them
Tell them not to open doors for strangers, accept anything from them or go anywhere with them, even if the stranger claims that you have instructed them to take your child home
Refrain from posting personal information on the internet

What to teach your child if they should get lost

Tell them to stay calm and call out for you even if they are in a place where they know they should be quiet such as a library or museum
If they cannot find you by calling out, staying where they are (as long as it is a safe place) gives you the best opportunity to find them
Look for a nearby police officer or store employee (if they cannot find an officer or employee, they should look for a mother with children)
Teach them a simple phrase such as “I’m lost,” or “I can’t find my mommy/daddy”
They should stay where they are even after they have found someone to help. Stress the importance of them not leaving with a stranger, especially if the stranger approaches them first
Help them memorize your full name and phone number as well as your home address if they are old enough

What to do if you find a lost child

Do not wait to gather more information, and immediately ask the child if they are lost
Tell the child your name and attempt to comfort them while making sure not to touch them
Stay with the child and do not move locations or place them in a vehicle
Ask the child if they know their parent’s phone number and look for identification or phone numbers of parents
If you have water, you can offer it to the child, but do not give them any type of food due to potential unknown allergies
Try not to ask too many personal questions, but do ask their name
Try to locate a police officer, store employee or other adult to assist you
If a parent finds you, make sure that there is recognition from the child. The child should seem happy or relieved, and the parent should know the name of the child. If something seems off, wait and call law enforcement to assist you)

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