Supporting Families

Find the Support You Need

Coping with the disappearance of a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, both emotionally and practically. If you’re facing this, please know you are not alone. There are many dedicated organizations and support networks equipped to guide you through this overwhelming time.

When someone you care about goes missing, life can feel suddenly unrecognizable. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, relative, or close friend, it’s common to be flooded with questions, fear, and uncertainty. The emotional toll can be immense.

To help families during these critical moments, we’ve developed a comprehensive information guide. This resource is designed to bring clarity, structure, and actionable steps during the early stages of a disappearance, when timely decisions and support are most crucial.

If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely searching for guidance. Please know we are here to support you. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized help.

We encourage you to explore the links below for immediate resources.
If you need additional support, one of our team members is available to assist you directly.

Missing Persons Support Guide For Family Members and Service Providers

1. Ensure They're Actually Missing

Try to contact them via phone, text, email, or social media. Check with friends, family, workplaces, schools, or places they frequent. Look for signs they may have left voluntarily (notes, packed bags, etc.).

2. Gather Important Information

Before contacting authorities, collect: Full name, age, and physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color, tattoos, scars). A recent photo. What they were wearing and carrying. Last known location and time they were seen. Any known medical issues, medications, or mental health concerns. Contacts, routines, or places they often visit.

3. Contact Authorities Immediately

Call 911 if you believe the person is in danger. File a missing person report with the local police as soon as possible—you do not need to wait 24 hours. Provide all the information you gathered.

4. Report to National Databases

National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains: The NCMPUR website, CanadasMissing.ca, allows you to view information about missing persons and provide tips.  -NCMPU -About the National Missing Persons DNA Programs -NCMPU -DNA Family Guide -NCMPU -All Programs regarding Missing Persons

5. Use Social Media and Community Resources

Share their photo and details online (Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, etc.) ---- Join local missing persons groups or community pages ---- Put up flyers in high-traffic areas ---- Contact local news outlets if appropriate.

6. Stay in Touch With Authorities

Follow up regularly for updates ---- Provide new information if it comes up.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Family, friends ---- Missing persons organizations ---- Mental health professionals ---- Victim advocacy groups

1. Call 9-1-1

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Use immediately if the person is in imminent danger, or if you suspect foul play, abduction, or a medical emergency. Ask for police and provide all relevant details.

2. Police Services (Non-Emergency)

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If the situation is not urgent (e.g., an adult who hasn't returned home, or a suspicious absence), call your local police non-emergency line: NOTE: see full list below.

3. Missing Children

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MissingKids.ca (Canadian Centre for Child Protection) 📞 1-866-KID-TIPS (1-866-543-8477) 🌐 https://missingkids.ca They offer: Case support Liaison with law enforcement Resources for families Help creating and distributing posters

4. National Missing Persons DNA Program (RCMP)

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While the public can't call this directly, your investigator can request involvement if DNA comparisons may help. Learn more: https://rcmp.ca/en/missing-persons/about-national-missing-persons-dna-program

5. Report a Tip or Anonymous Info

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Crime Stoppers (Across Canada) 📞 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) 🌐 https://www.canadiancrimestoppers.org

6. Human Trafficking Hotline (Canada)

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If you are missing or fleeing danger (e.g., human trafficking, domestic violence): Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 📞 1-833-900-1010 Confidential support and reporting for suspected trafficking    Available 24/7 in multiple languages 🌐 www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca

7. Victim Services

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      Victim Service Support Line: 📞1-888-579-2888 - In the Greater Toronto Area, you can also reach them at  📞 416-314-2447   Support and assistance to families and individuals affected by a missing loved one. Emotional support Crisis counseling Help in navigating the legal and law enforcement systems 🌐 www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/vsd-rsv/index.html

8. Crisis Services Canada

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Crisis Services Hotline: 📞 1-833-456-4566 Crisis Services Canada is a national network dedicated to providing free, 24/7, and confidential support to individuals in emotional distress or at risk of suicide. CSC operates with the goal of ensuring that no one has to face a crisis alone, offering both immediate crisis intervention and connections to long-term support resources across the country. Their services are available in both English and French, and are accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and regions.

9. Kids Help Line

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       Kids Help Phone: 📞 1-800-668-6868 Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national, bilingual e-mental health service dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults. Founded in 1989, it offers free, confidential support to young people facing any issue—big or small 

City/Province

Non-Emergency Police Number

Toronto Police (Ontario)

416-808-2222

Vancouver Police (BC)

604-717-3321

Calgary Police (Alberta)

403-266-1234

Montreal Police (Quebec)

514-280-2222

Winnipeg Police (Manitoba)

204-986-6222

Halifax Regional Police

902-490-5020

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • Toronto Police Community Guide to Report a Person Missing: The guide fulfills Recommendation 44 of the Missing and Missed Report and was developed through collaboration among Community Representatives from the Missing and Missed Implementation Team (MMIT), community agencies reflecting diverse social, cultural, and religious backgrounds, members of various Community Consultative Committees, and representatives of the Service.
  • MissingKids.ca: For information and resources related to missing children.
  • Missing Children Society of Canada: Offers support and resources for families of missing children.
  • The Canadian Centre for Child Protection: Focuses on the prevention of child sexual exploitation and abduction. 
  • Canadian Centre for Information on Missing Adults: is a bilingual online platform that offers centralized support and resources for families and friends of missing adults across Canada. Developed through a partnership between the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime and Ontario’s Missing Adults, CCIMA provides valuable tools, guidance, and practical information to help loved ones navigate the challenges that come with a disappearance.
  • Victim Services Directory: The Victim Services Directory helps connect individuals with victim service providers across Canada.
  • Fowler Sulivan: is dedicated to supporting families of missing hikers by connecting them with trusted resources, coordinating search efforts when official operations have concluded, and advancing initiatives aimed at preventing future disappearances. At the heart of everything we do are our core values: safety, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

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Support for Us - Families with Missing Loved One

Facing the unimaginable, families of missing loved ones often embark on a journey marked by grief, uncertainty, and resilience. Their stories are powerful testaments to the strength of the human spirit, offering not only inspiration but also valuable insights into coping, community support, and the pursuit of hope in the midst of tragedy. These personal narratives serve as a reminder that no one is truly alone in their experience.

One such story is that of Maureen Trask, a dedicated Canadian advocate for families of missing persons. Following the disappearance and eventual discovery of her son Daniel in 2011, Maureen transformed her personal loss into purposeful action. She played a pivotal role in the development and passage of Ontario’s Missing Persons Act in 2019, and continues to champion the creation of a national framework to better support families living with the unresolved trauma of a missing loved one.

Please Bring Me Home