This booklet is designed to provide information to families of long-term missing adults about:
- Filing a missing person report with police
- Helping in the search for a missing loved one
- Finding support services for family members. Our goal is to provide answers to some of the questions raised by families with long-term missing adults. Our hope is that those with similar questions will find their way to the booklet and have the opportunity to review and digest the information in a place and time that is most comfortable. The information given represents only a very broad overview of the considerations arising when an adult loved one leaves and does not return within a short period of time. Specific topics such as the psychological effects that long-term disappearances have on family members are important, but beyond the scope of this booklet. The material selected for inclusion is based on information requests received through Ontario’s Missing Adults and the author’s personal communication with families and police.Ontario’s Missing Adults was founded on the belief that locating missing adults requires a team approach between police and families in reaching out to the public for information. Instead of duplicating activities, the work of one group can enhance the activities of the other. The idea of a team approach underlies much of the information presented in the pages that follow.
This booklet has been made available as part of the 5th annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (April 18 – 24, 2010). The theme selected for events is “Every Victim Matters”. Despite the fact that not all missing adults are victims of crime, until the fate of each missing adult is known, family and friends left behind need information and support.
Each missing adult is important. Equally important are the family members and friends left behind…
…because every victim matters.
