Mindset Shift

“Runaway” is not a low-risk category. It is an endangered child scenario. Time magnifies danger. Assume exploitation risk—and move fast.

Family & Caregiver Checklist (Hour 0–6)

1. Call immediately: your local police and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at
   1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). ^[1]
2. Provide a current photo, physical description, last known clothing, medical needs, and any immediate risks.
3. Preserve phones and accounts—do not wipe or alter devices. Write down passcodes if available.
4. Document last contacts (texts, DMs, calls), recent conflicts, threats, new friends, and places they frequent.
5. Call the child’s circle: friends, teammates, employers, relatives. Ask for screenshots and last-seen info.
6. Search safely nearby places they go to decompress (parks, libraries, malls, transit stops).

Schools & Community Actions (Hour 0–24)

1. Notify school leadership and counselors to activate contacts and credible messengers who can reach the child quickly.
2. Distribute a missing-child poster with a recent photo, distinguishing features, and a police case number. ^[1]
3. Enroll in alert tools and local community channels (PTA, faith groups, neighborhood apps) to circulate verified info.
4. Designate one family spokesperson to reduce rumor and ensure accurate, trauma-informed messaging.

Law Enforcement & Child Welfare (Hour 0–48)

• Default to endangered. Evaluate for trafficking indicators early; coordinate with NCMEC for case support. ^[2]
• Rapid digital steps: request preservation of social media and telecom records; collect handles, device IDs, and common apps.
• Consider appropriate alerts/notifications (per jurisdictional criteria) and leverage task-force partners where available.
• Recovery planning: prepare trauma-informed contact and transport; engage a caregiver or advocate the child trusts.

Digital Evidence & Online Safety

1. Screenshot everything: recent DMs, story replies, location shares, cash-app activity, rideshare receipts.
2. List usernames and IDs for each platform; note any new or secondary accounts.
3. Preserve location data (photos’ EXIF if present, device “Find My” history, shared locations in apps).
4. Report online enticement or exploitation to the CyberTipline. ^[1]

After Recovery: Stabilize & Re-Engage

• Medical and safety check first; then a calm debrief focused on needs, not blame.
• Trauma-informed services (advocacy, counseling, substance-use support if needed).
• Re-engagement plan at school and home with named allies; reduce triggers that drove the child to leave.
• Follow-up safety plan (who to call, safe places, code words, device safety and privacy).