Looking for help?

If you are looking for help about a missing child or would like to report information about a missing child, call the 116 000 hotline:

Call 116 000 now

About the Network

Our network of missing children hotlines is operated by national organisations in 31 countries across Europe. Children and families calling the European hotline receive free and immediate emotional, psychological, social, legal and administrative support 24 / 7.

FAQs

When to call the hotline?

Call the hotline if you are a:

  • child who is missing from home / care or a child who is thinking of leaving home / care
  • parent or carer of a missing child
  • child, young person, or adult who has information about a missing child

What to do if a child goes missing?

Make a report to the police if you know of a child who has gone missing. This can be done by anybody, not just the parents or carers. You may also call the 116 000 hotline for support, advice, and to share valuable information about a missing child.

Who answers the calls?

Professionally trained Hotline Operators.

Does the 116 000 hotline work in my country?

The 116 000 number works in 32 countries in Europe. You can find the list of countries here.

The 116 000 hotline is not available in my country, who can I contact instead?

Always contact your national police to report a missing child or to share information relating to a missing child.

Other national hotlines or children’s organisations are available in your country, you can find this online.

Who can call the 116 000 hotline?

Everyone. Children, young people, parents or carers, families, and third party adults.

If you know about a missing child or if you know of a child at risk of going missing, the 116 000 hotline will be able to support you.

What information am I required to give when I call the 116 000 hotline?

You will be asked for details related to the missing child and their circumstances.

The more information provided the more help this will be for the protection of the child.

Are the calls recorded?

No, the calls are not recorded.

Do I have to share my details, I want to remain anonymous?

No, you do not have to share your details. Only share your details should you wish to.

Welcome

We strive to protect and empower children to prevent them from going missing, and to keep them from harm when they do go missing

MISSING CHILDREN UKRAINE
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Highlights

Figures & Trends

More than 250 000 children disappear each year in Europe

Let’s change that!
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Current Campaign

Help us protect Ukrainian missing children

The war on Ukraine has led to more than 3 million Ukrainians, mainly women and children seeking refuge abroad, putting them at risk of separation and going missing. By supporting our work, you will help us to protect missing children and their families.

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OUR IMPACT

What we have achieved so far

Supporting frontline professionals

Over 6000 professionals, hotline operators, law enforcement officers, social workers, and other child protection specialists trained through our conference, online courses and the MCE Academy webinars, lectures and workshops.

Advocating for child centred policy

116000 European missing child hotlines accessible 24/7 on all 27 EU member States and 5 neighbouring countries.

Hearing children in international child abduction cases in Brussels II ter regulation.

Better data on missing children a priority in the EC Recommendation on Integrated Child Protection.

Raising awareness and challenging narratives

1.4K people reached though our campaign with Snapchat.

1K people reached through our Tiny and Apollo campaign.

Over 200k people reached through the Runaway Prevention Month campaign.

Our impact
We need you on our side!

Learn how you can help support Missing Children Europe and what projects need your funding.

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