What to do if…
a vulnerable adult goes missing while in your care

What to do now

1. Call 911. State clearly that a vulnerable adult is missing while in your care and explain why they may be unable to protect themselves or return safely, such as cognitive impairment, developmental disability, limited communication, mobility difficulties, weather exposure, urgent medication needs, or danger near traffic or water.

2. Give the exact last known place and time, who last confirmed the person was present, the direction they may have taken, and whether they may be walking, driving, using public transportation, or traveling with someone.

3. Answer the call-taker’s questions, follow their instructions, and do not hang up until told to do so. Give a reliable callback number and note the responding agency and incident or report number when available.

4. If another responsible adult is present, have them check immediate safe areas while you call. Check rooms, bathrooms, closets, stairwells, exits, vehicles, the yard, and nearby familiar places without leaving anyone else unattended or entering hazardous areas.

5. If the missing person calls or messages, stay calm and keep the connection open. Ask where they are, what they can see nearby, whether they are hurt, and whether anyone is with them, then relay the information to 911 without directing them into an unsafe situation.

6. Gather a recent clear photograph and the person’s name, age, height, build, hair, clothing, shoes, mobility aids, phone number, vehicle details, and distinctive features. Give these directly to law enforcement.

7. Prepare information relevant to finding them safely, including communication needs, likely reactions to police or strangers, familiar destinations, previous wandering locations, urgent health needs, and access to transportation. Share authorized location information with law enforcement if it is available.

8. Write down a simple timeline: when the person was last confirmed present, when their absence was noticed, any doors or exits used, calls or messages received, and the names of witnesses. Preserve available camera footage, access records, transportation records, and device information.

9. After contacting 911, follow your care setting’s emergency procedure. Notify the supervisor or on-call lead and the person’s emergency contact, guardian, or authorized representative as required by your applicable policy.

10. Keep one informed person at the last known location to meet responders and coordinate updates. Tell law enforcement immediately about sightings, messages, location updates, or other new information.

11. If the person is found, notify law enforcement immediately. Approach calmly, reduce noise and crowding, check for injury, distress, exposure, or urgent medical needs, and request emergency medical help when needed.