Here are a list of free resources and easily accessible reporting centers for family and loved ones who are searching for a missing loved one.
When someone “goes missing” it does not necessarily mean a crime has been committed. Until a law enforcement investigation is conducted, it may not be clear if an individual is in danger. This is why it’s critical for law enforcement to take a report on every missing person. It’s also important to consider if a disappearance could be voluntary. Disconnecting from family, friends and community is a dramatic and life-changing decision and does not happen without significant reasons, which could include preventing abuse to the individual or immediate family members. Missing ChildWhen a child under 18 years old disappears, dial 911 or contact tribal law enforcement immediately. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST offers many resources to help families when a child goes missing.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's List of Missing Child Clearinghouses provides contact information for each state’s missing child clearinghouse and resources to help with missing child cases.
Missing-Child Emergency-Response Quick Reference Guide for Families Checklist is a checklist for families to use during an emergency response to a report of a missing or abducted child from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
National Runaway Safeline provides 24-hour services to youth and teens and information for concerned adults on youth-related issues.
When Your Child Is Missing is a guide for families written by parents who experienced firsthand the trauma of a missing child, from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
The Indian Health Service center locator allows you to search for IHS hospitals, behavioral centers and general health clinics, which you can contact to see if a loved one may have been seen there. Keep in mind, a patient can indicate they don’t want information shared and some institutions may prohibit giving out patient information to anyone.
Law enforcement agencies will differ from Tribe to Tribe and sometimes multiple agencies will be involved. This might include Tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, local city/county police, and, in Alaska, the village public safety officer and state trooper — or a combination of these agencies. Based on circumstances, it may be helpful to notify Tribal law enforcement in the home community of the missing individual.
Tips concerning a missing indigenous person or homicide in Indian Country can be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing & Murdered Unit via email or to the tip line at 833-560-2065. The tip line is confidential, toll free and available 24/7.
The TIP 411 program allows you to send anonymous tips to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To send a tip to the Missing & Murdered Unit, text “BIAMMU” and your tip to 847411.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File Fact Sheet from Operation Lady Justice explains the Missing Person File, which draws data from over 18,000 federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial criminal justice agencies from all 50 states, U.S. territories and Canada.
Law enforcement agencies will differ sometimes multiple agencies will be involved. This might include Tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, local city/county police, and in Alaska the village public safety officer and state trooper — or a combination of these agencies. Based on circumstances, it may be helpful to notify Tribal law enforcement in the home community of the missing individual.
Tips concerning a missing indigenous person or homicide in Indian Country can be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing & Murdered Unit via email or to the tip line at 833-560-2065. The tip line is confidential, toll free and available 24/7.
The TIP 411 program allows you to send anonymous tips to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To send a tip to the Missing & Murdered Unit, text “BIAMMU” and your tip to 847411.
All states receive federal funding to help support local victim assistance and compensation programs. There are also nongovernmental organizations that provide resources and services to crime victims.
The Directory of Crime Victim Services is a searchable tool with information about available victim services throughout the country, maintained by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. OVC also provides information about victim assistance and compensation programs available across the U.S.
The National Association of Crime Victims Compensation Boards provides links to the state crime victim compensation programs. You can find specific information about each program's benefits, requirements and procedures by clicking on the links.
Local legal aid services may be able to assist families with navigating the financial affairs and estate of a missing person. Search LawHelp.org for legal aid programs by state.