Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with found lost child, use emergency mode.
Do this nowDraft guidance — professional review pending.
AidNow content is under active review. Always contact emergency services for serious emergencies.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A bystander encounters a child alone, crying, or unable to find their guardian in public.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Talk calmly. Go together to shop or police. Stay in public. Call 1098.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Child alone, crying, looking around repeatedly, no adult nearby.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Child says they cannot find mum, dad, or teacher.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lost children often accept help from calm adults who stay in public view.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Venue lost-child protocols exist at malls, melas, and stations.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Kneel to eye level — introduce yourself by first name.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask their name and if parent is nearby — scan area together.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Walk together holding hand only if child agrees — toward lit shop counter.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell staff: "This child appears lost — I have not been alone with them."
When and how to get professional help.
Hand over to uniformed staff or police — do not transport child alone in private vehicle if avoidable.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Comfort and escort to official helper. Police or venue staff lead reunification.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — 1098 Childline. 112 if immediate danger or no staff.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Venue PA lost-child announcement if available.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT take child to your home or private car without police.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food except water if staff approves — allergy unknown.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Any adult should drive the child around to find parents
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay at fixed official point so searching parents and CCTV converge.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Parents and police search wrong area while child moved far away.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Trapped in cave
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person or group is stuck in a cave because of flooding, rockfall, lost passages, or equipment failure.
Confined space
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is stuck inside a tank, silo, pit, manhole, or storage container with limited air and exit.
Mud or quicksand
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is sinking or stuck in deep mud, quicksand, tidal flat, or liquefied soil and cannot free themselves.
Elderly missing
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An older adult with dementia, confusion, or cognitive impairment has wandered away and cannot be located.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Police verify identity before release to claimant.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Medical check if child injured or very young and alone long.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Posting the child's photo on social media reunites faster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Official channels protect privacy and verify guardians. Viral posts attract false claimants.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Child safety and privacy compromised.