Missing People Website

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you find people?
How long does it take to find missing people?
How much do you charge?
Are you part of the police?
Can you find my father; he left my mum and me when I was very small?
What happens if you find someone and they don't want to get in touch with the people looking for them?
Can you find out if someone is drawing benefit?
My son has gone missing abroad, can you help?
My son disappeared many years ago. Can you age him so we can see how he would look today?
How is Missing People funded?
Can someone from Missing People do a talk about your work?

How do you find people?

We use a network of contacts and 'third parties' and where possible get letters or messages passed to the missing people. For vulnerable missing people, publicity can be used to generate sightings. Our current media partners include the Daily Mirror, Metro, ITV London and the Big Issue. We also produce lots of local publicity and missing posters. The communications team at missing people issues more than 200 appeals every month.

How long does it take to find missing people?

Most missing people are found safe and well within 72 hours. Sadly, many others are not, however we will not close our enquiries until a person is found or their family have asked us to do so.

How much do you charge?

We charge nothing for our services; we are a charity and rely on donations to fund our vital work. Click here to pledge your support and help us find more missing people.

Are you part of the police?

No, we are an independent and confidential charity. We do, however, work with the police where appropriate and they share information with us about cases registered with them, and often request our help.

Can you find my father; he left my mum and me when I was very small?

If you know your father's full name and date of birth, you may be able to search for him yourself. For example, if your father's name is not on your birth certificate we cannot act on your behalf. it is also worth bearing in mind that if your father left many years ago there is a chance that he may have a new life with a new family; this does not mean that he won't be very happy to hear from you, but it is worth considering this before starting a search. Important: if your father has suddenly disappeared and there is concern for his safety, please contact the police as well as missing people.

What happens if you find someone and they don't want to get in touch with the people looking for them?

We realise that there are usually two sides to the story and we would never coerce anyone into contacting their family unless that was their wish. Nor would we divulge any details regarding the missing person's whereabouts without their consent (exceptions to this are children or those subject to section under the mental health act).

Can you find out if someone is drawing benefit?

No. Benefit Agencies will not disclose such information, but it may be possible to have a letter forwarded.

My daughter has gone missing abroad, can you help?

We are a UK based charity with limited resources, however we do have contacts all over the world and we can also give you advice regarding other organisations and international agencies that may be able to help, including Missing Abroad. We are also able to put a detailed appeal for your missing daughter on our website, which is visited by more than 50,000 people a month.

My son disappeared many years ago. Can you age him so we can see how he would look today?

Unfortunately we cannot produce age-enhanced images for every missing person. The person must be registered with the police and our ability to produce a reliable age progression depends on the availability of photos of other members of the family.

How is Missing People funded?

Last year we raised around £2 million. Only 30% of our funding comes from the government and the rest is raised through donations and legacies from individuals, events, companies, shops and trusts. Thank you to all our supporters. Your help enables us to carry out our vital work and allows us to continue to bring families and loved ones back together.

Can someone from Missing People do a talk about your work?

As a charity registered in the UK Missing People cannot guarantee attendance for talks due to limited resources. However, in many cases Missing People is able to provide staff, volunteers and, in some cases beneficiaries, for corporate and community talks in the London area. For smaller scale events in London and all other events outside London, Missing People will need to consider carefully the resource implications for our services against the opportunity to raise support and awareness at a talk.

If you would like Missing People to consider sending a representative to talk at an event, please send details of date, time, location, likely attendance and details of the purpose of the talk to supporters@missingpeople.org.uk