In Development. Satellite Child Find Foundation is in an active development and testing phase. Capabilities described here are forward-looking and subject to partner agreements, technology validation, and operational testing.

Is a child missing right now? Call 911 immediately. This Foundation is not a replacement for emergency services.

S
Emergency Resource

Missing Child Family Guidebook

What To Do In The First 24 Hours - A comprehensive guide for families facing the unthinkable

Family Crisis Liaison Team
Trained volunteers and staff who serve as your support coordinators, communication guides, and resource navigators during this difficult time.

Support Coordinators

Help you stay organized

Communication Guides

Keep you informed

Resource Navigators

Connect you with services

How They Help:

Help families stay organized throughout the search process

Keep families informed of developments and next steps

Guide families to avoid panic-driven decisions

Serve as a single point of contact for questions

Connect families with appropriate resources and services

Important Notice

Family Crisis Liaison Team members are NOT investigators. They are here to support you emotionally and logistically.

Emergency Quick Reference
Keep these numbers accessible at all times
Emergency911
National Center for Missing Children1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)
FBI Tip Line1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741
Victim Connect Hotline1-855-4-VICTIM (484-2846)
Immediate Steps (First Hour)
  • Call 911 immediately - do not wait 24 hours
  • Provide clear photo and description of child
  • Give last known location and clothing details
  • Request immediate AMBER Alert if criteria met
  • Stay at last known location if safe
  • Designate one family contact person for police
Evidence Preservation
  • Do not touch or move anything in child's room
  • Preserve computer, phone, and social media accounts
  • Save all text messages and communications
  • Photograph the scene before anything is disturbed
  • Keep clothing, bedding, and personal items untouched
  • Document who had access to the home/location
Phone & Social Media Guidance
  • Keep child's phone on and charged
  • Do not delete any messages or call logs
  • Monitor social media accounts for activity
  • Do not post publicly about the disappearance initially
  • Coordinate all media through law enforcement
  • Set up Google Alerts for child's name
Media Cautions
  • Never release sensitive case details to public
  • Avoid speculating about what happened
  • Do not name suspects without police confirmation
  • Be cautious of media offering rewards
  • Request media blackout if abduction is suspected
  • Designate one spokesperson for family
Volunteer Search Guidance
  • Coordinate all searches through law enforcement
  • Do not allow untrained volunteers to search alone
  • Focus on systematic grid searches
  • Document all searched areas
  • Prioritize locations meaningful to child
  • Consider aerial search for large areas
AMBER Alert Explanation
  • Issued for children 17 and under
  • Requires confirmed abduction (not missing)
  • Child must be at risk of serious harm/death
  • Must have descriptive information to broadcast
  • Activated by law enforcement, not families
  • Broadcasts via emergency alert system, social media, highway signs
Emotional Stabilization Resources
  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST
  • Crisis counseling available 24/7
  • Connect with other families who've been through this
  • Maintain routines for siblings when possible
  • Accept help from trusted friends and family
  • Consider trauma-informed therapy
Scam Warnings
  • Beware of psychics claiming to have information
  • Never pay for leads or tips
  • Verify all organizations before donating
  • Report suspicious contacts to police immediately
  • Do not engage with ransom demands without FBI
  • Check credentials of anyone offering help
Legal Considerations
  • Understand custody documents if applicable
  • Know parental rights during investigation
  • Document all interactions with authorities
  • Consider legal representation for complex cases
  • Preserve evidence for potential prosecution
  • Understand statute of limitations

Additional Resources

Timeline Checklist
  • 0-1 Hours
    Call 911, preserve evidence
  • 1-3 Hours
    Coordinate with police, designate contact
  • 3-12 Hours
    Organize search, monitor communications
  • 12-24 Hours
    Media strategy, volunteer coordination
Support Services
  • 24/7 crisis counseling
  • Family advocacy support
  • Legal assistance referrals
  • Peer family connections

Be Prepared

Download this guide and keep it accessible. Share it with family members, caregivers, and community organizations.