A disappearance can be both devastating and overwhelming. While each situation is unique, the first hours and days are often considered critical in the search for a loved one. Families and friends of missing individuals are encouraged to seek support and consult the resources below for information and guidance.
01.
Consider contacting your local law enforcement agency to file a missing person report as early as possible. In most cases today, there is NO mandatory waiting period. Typically, the agency where the report is filed may lead the investigation.
03. Local, national, or international media outreach is a common approach to increase visibility and raise awarness about the missing person's case.
04. Activating social media and community networks can be an important step in spreading the word with family, friends, and the broader public.
05. If a loved one remains missing after several days, it may be appropriate to ask the authorities about promptly submitting the case to official databases—such as Canada’s Missing, NamUs in the U.S., or an equivalent platform in your region.
