Parents experience a range of emotions when they find that their child is missing. These emotions influence rational decision-making power of the parents, often resulting in crisis situation in the family. Research reveals that the first twenty-four hours are crucial in the safe recovery of the missing child. This time period is important to both the parents as well as the law enforcement agencies.

It is advisable to use a checklist to do whatever one can to see that the child is recovered safely.

The First 24 Hours

• Report immediately to the local law enforcement agency about the details of the missing child.

• Parents should request that law enforcement put out a Be On the Look Out (BOLO) bulletin.

• Parent should make sure that the child’s room and his belongings are not touched by anyone until the law enforcement authorities come and collect the primary evidence form that place. A small clue can help a long way in the speedy recovery of the child.

• Always remember to collect the telephone number of the officer concerned with your child’s case. The officer should be accessible to you in case of emergency.

• Parents should not try to hide any information regarding the circumstances leading to the disappearance of the child.

• Parents should make a detailed note of the child’s appearance, his clothing at the time of disappearance, any identification marks on his body, such as birth marks, scars or any other marks by which the child can be easily identified

When your child is missing, your role in providing required information to the law enforcement agencies plays a vital role in the speedy and safe recovery of your child. You and law enforcement become partners pursuing a common goal -- finding your lost child.

Knowing what you can do, what others can do, and where to go for help will not only expedite the search and recovery of your child, it also will help to ease the emotional and financial burden of the search.