← Help in Grant County

A child is lost, or you found a child alone

Use when a parent can't find their child in a store, park or event, or when someone finds a young child alone or a child says they are lost.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Your child is missing

Tell the store or event staff right away. Many stores can lock the doors and search (a "Code Adam").
If you can't find them in a few minutes, call 911. Don't wait.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Say what they look like, what they're wearing, their age and when and where you last saw them. Have a photo ready.
You can ask"Could they have gone home, to a friend's, or to a favorite place?" Have someone check there.
If the child is still missing, use the guide "A loved one is missing".

2You found a child alone

Stay with the child where you found them, in public. Parents often come back to where they lost the child.
Call 911 if no parent comes in a few minutes, or if the child is very young, hurt or scared to go home.
You can ask"What's your name? Who are you here with? Do you know a phone number?"
Don't take the child somewhere else, like your car or home. Find a store worker or another adult to stay with you.
If the child says someone is hurting them at home, use the guide "A child is being hurt, abused or neglected".

3Teach children what to do

Teach them their full name, a parent's phone number, and to ask a store worker or a mom with children for help if lost.

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.