What to do when a child goes missing

There is an ongoing impression that you need to wait at least 24 hours to report a person missing.

This is not true as there is no waiting period to report a person, including a child, as missing.

What to do:

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing child.

• You need to give a description of the child, where were they last seen and with whom, what were they wearing, their age, their hair colour, eye colour.

• You need to sign a form at the police station which safeguards the police from false reports and indemnifies the police to distribute the picture and information of the missing child.

• Get the details of the investigating officer and inform them of any new information that may arise.

• Should the child return home or be found by other people but not the police, it’s your responsibility as a parent to inform the investigating offer so that they can give you another form to fill out and so they can inform the Bureau for Missing Persons to remove you from the circulation system.

• Keep an eye on your children

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Missing Children South Africa urges parents to follow these safety tips to make South Africa a safer place for our children:

• Teach your children that even people they know can try to harm them, so they should tell you if another family member or family friend is doing something that makes them feel bad or uncomfortable. Teach them that no one is ever allowed to touch their body.

• Know where your child is at all times, who they are with and what they are wearing.

• Always keep a recent photo of your child with you so you have it available in case of an emergency.

• Teach your child his own name and address as well as your name and number.

• Teach your child not to walk away with anyone other than you or the person who is taking care of him.

• If you have a special needs child, get him a bracelet with emergency contact numbers on the bracelet.

• Teach your child never to get into a car with a stranger, for any reason.

• Let your child know that it’s okay to behave ‘badly’, to bite, kick, claw and scream when someone grabs them. Teach your child to say “I don’t know him/her. He/she wants to take me away!” This will often scare the person trying to take your child.

• Teach your child not to open the door for anyone.

• Let your child know they don’t have to talk to strangers. They should stand at a safe distance from the person and if the conversation lasts for longer than five to seven seconds, they should leave and find you. Show them what a safe distance looks like.

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