National Alliance on Mental Illness
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(800) 950-NAMI; info@nami.org
©2013
Missing Persons Support
Missing Persons Database
The National Missing Persons Database is a powerful resource that will enable not only family members of the missing person, but law enforcement, medical examiners, and other members of the justice community to enter data regarding missing persons.
Although it is currently in its infancy, the system currently provides links and contact information to authorities on both and state and local level for all 50 states.
What To Do / What Steps To Take
If you have a missing loved one with serious mental illness, the following steps and information may be helpful:
Step 1.) Notify your local police immediately of your missing loved one and provide them with all the information you can. If the person remains missing more than three (3) days, ask the police to place them on the FBI's National Computer (NCIC) list as an "endangered adult". This computer network provides information nationwide. The network will give you a police number to use when searching for your relative.Step 2.) When missing persons with mental illness over age 21 are located, the police and other agencies cannot hold or ask that they be held against their will if they have not committed a crime. No one has the authority to force the person to seek aid or medical care against his or her will unless there is a medical guardianship or court order specifying what action to take when the individual is found.
Step 3.) Prepare a one-page flyer which includes a picture of the missing person, along with his or her vital statistics (age, height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothes last seen wearing, last known location, etc.).
For more steps and information visit our online guide: Persons with Mental Illness Who Are Homeless or Missing: A Guide for Families
Post a Missing Person
Visit NAMI's Missing Persons online discussion group to post information about your missing loved one, or to share support, advice, or assistance. (Free site registration required)
Online Resources
- The National Health Care for the Homeless Council is an avid output of proper healthcare information for those who are homeless. They also serve as a clearinghouse of information and assistance for consumers. They also have an article that discusses outreach techniques, coping and treatment issues, and other relationship issues related to mental illness and homelessness.
- Outpost for Hope provides helpful tips including a missing checklist and a Now What recovery plan that addresses unification.
- National Center for Missing Adults published an edition of their newsletter, "The Missing Voice", which addresses issues specific to people with mental illness who are missing.
- Project Jason is an organization that provides a spring board of ideas for families and individuals, including the methodology two families used to find their missing loved ones, particularly missing elderly. It also includes posts of solutions and additional resources.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
State and Local NAMIs
Contact the state or local NAMI in the area where your loved one was last seen or heard from.