News - Missing Children Europe

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.

Latest news

December 6, 2022

Policy Symposium – Looking back to move forward: Reflecting on perspectives for missing children in migration

November 21, 2022

Celebrating 20 years of European action for missing children

Child sexual abuse & exploitationHighlight

November 18, 2022

We must make the Internet a Safe Place for Children

Children who run away

October 24, 2022

Join the conference: Under the Radar – Towards More Integrated Child Protection Responses for Children who Run Away from Home or Care

International child abductionHighlight

October 10, 2022

Family Mediation: In the Best Interests of the Child

International child abductionHighlight

August 3, 2022

Join the iCare Final Conference: Judicial Cooperation and Family Mediation in International Child Abductions

August 1, 2022

In memory of Baron Daniel Cardon de Lichtbuer, founding president of Missing Children Europe

July 26, 2022

Abducted 16-year-old son of Zaporizhzhia official released from Russian captivity

July 8, 2022

Child Safety Online must be a priority; 14 organisations launch campaign to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material online

Supporter of the month

July 4, 2022

Supporter of the month: Ruben Loodts

Children who run awayHighlight

June 27, 2022

Missing Children Europe releases four new languages for its European online course on children who run away

June 17, 2022

Missing Children Europe welcomes Anna Maria Corazza Bildt as President

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