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My Child is Missing, What do I do? |
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What To Do If Your Child Goes Missing
Hello Resident
A Message from West Midlands Police – Wolverhampton Nothing is more distressing than discovering that your child cannot be found. While most children are located quickly and safely, knowing what to do in the first moments is vital. West Midlands Police is committed to supporting families in every stage of a missing-child incident. Below are clear steps to take, tailored to your child’s age group.
1. If Your Toddler (0–4 years) Goes Missing Young children can wander off quickly and may not understand danger. Act immediately. What to Do Right Away Check your immediate surroundings: Look around the area where you last saw them — behind furniture, in cupboards, garden areas, sheds, driveways, and vehicles. Toddlers often hide or get distracted. Alert people nearby: Ask family, friends, neighbours, shop staff, or anyone close by to help you look. Shout their name and listen carefully: Toddlers may not respond verbally but might cry or make noise. Search water and hazard areas first: Ponds, pools, streams, roads, and open stairways. Contact Police If you cannot find your toddler within 5 to 10 minutes, or if you have any reason to believe they may be in danger, call 999 immediately. Provide: The exact place last seen Description of clothing Any fears (water nearby, busy roads, open doors, etc.)
2. If Your School-Aged Child (5–11 years) Goes Missing Children of this age may wander off, follow friends, or become distracted, but they usually stay within familiar areas. Initial Steps Call their friends, school, or any place they normally go. Search routes they walk regularly: school path, park, shops, playgrounds. Check your home thoroughly, including hiding places where they may retreat if upset. Speak with neighbours: Children often visit nearby houses without informing adults. When to Contact Police If your child does not return within a short expected timeframe, If they’ve left alone unexpectedly, Or if there is anything unusual about their disappearance — Call 999 straight away. Do not wait “just in case” they come back; early action helps us find children faster.
3. If Your Teenager (12–17 years) Goes Missing Teens may intentionally leave home due to stress, conflict, or emotional difficulties. Even if you believe they left by choice, it is still treated seriously. Immediate Steps Call or message them — keep communication calm and supportive. Check social media or messaging apps for recent activity. Contact friends, school, or anyone they trust. Look in local places they regularly spend time: town centre, parks, bus stops, youth clubs, shopping areas. Information to Gather for Police If they remain missing or you have any concern for their safety, contact us. Teens are at higher risk of being exploited or getting into unsafe situations. When you call, be ready to share: Recent behaviour changes or concerns What they were wearing Phone numbers and social accounts Friends or adults they may meet Any medical or mental health issues How they left (on foot, bus, bike, etc.) Call 999 if you believe they are at immediate risk. Otherwise, call 101 as soon as you realise you cannot locate them.
How West Midlands Police Will Support You When you report a child missing, we will: Respond immediately based on risk Deploy officers to search likely locations Issue alerts to units across the region Review CCTV and transport routes Work with partners such as schools, social care, and transport providers Keep you informed throughout the search No parent will ever be criticised for reporting too soon.
Once Your Child Is Found Reassure them and give them time to calm down. Allow officers to speak with them privately to ensure they are safe and have not been harmed or coerced. Consider what support they may need, especially for repeat episodes or emotional distress. West Midlands Police works alongside local services in Wolverhampton to help families address any underlying issues.
If You Need Ongoing Support The following services can offer additional help: Wolverhampton Children’s Services Local GP or mental health support services School safeguarding teams Charities supporting young people and families
Please reach out. You are not alone.
Please Share!⚠WMNow is not suitable for reporting crimes ⚠ 101, Online Webchat & WMP Website – Non emergency crime reporting / check on the progress of your report | ||
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