Missing Persons Guide The Missing Persons Guide instructs parents or guardians how to take action on missing or runaway children. The guide also provides parents with instructions on immediate action for missing children. The first 48 hours following a missing or runaway episode are the most important in locating your child. While many runaway children return home, or—in the case of missing children—are located during this period, it is critical to take every action available to help locate and safeguard your children. Download a card to carry about Reporting Your Missing Child. Do not wait 48 hours to report your child missing. There is no time limit that you must wait to report a person as missing, whether he/she is considered missing or a runaway. Five Steps to Be Prepared What to Do if Your Child is Missing What Will Happen When Your Child is Missing: A Family Survival Guide Produced by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Telephone Numbers and Links Report a Missing Person Missing Person File: Data Collection Entry Guide* A dentist should complete pages 28-36 of this file. Missing Persons in Washington, DC Missing Persons Resources in Spanish Cuando su niño desaparece: Una guía para la supervivencia de la familia Other Useful Websites AMBER Alert Wireless AMBER Alerts System National Center for Missing & Exploited Children The FBI's Child ID App NEW! FBI Crimes Against Children Site Persons other than children or teens who are considered missing are handled by the district police stations. If you feel this situation is serious, please dial 911 or locate your district station.