BUCKHORN CLIFFSA preparedness field manual

Kits and Planning · Tool

Missing Child Information Checklist

A master list of information to compile ahead of time about a child or loved one, from identifiers and contacts to routines, devices, vehicles and accounts.

Quick facts

  • Sections
    • Personal
    • social network
    • routines
    • work and school
    • financial and tech
    • transportation
    • legal
    • tracking
    • travel
    • community
  • Friends listClosest 10 friends with addresses and phone numbers
  • Hangouts
    • Top 10 places
    • with hours
    • frequency
  • TrackingFind My, Find Hub or Life360 set up with family sharing on
  • Printable PDF$5, or included with site membership

In the event you cannot contact one of your children, having detailed and organized information can be critical in helping you figure out their whereabouts. This page is a master list of line items to compile ahead of time. If a child is missing, call 911 or local law enforcement first. There is no waiting period. Ask them to enter the child into the FBI's NCIC Missing Person File, then call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678. This sheet is what you hand them.

And while this is structured in a format for "children" - it can be equally useful for all loved ones.

All the information to help you plan for the unthinkable is found below.

Open the Preparedness LogbookThe printable version of this sheet is the People and Medical section of the Preparedness Logbook, one of the six field guides. Members download the whole logbook as a PDF, print any page, or add it to My Manual. Everyone can fill in the online version.

Personal Information

Full Name and Identifying DetailsKeep a record of their full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. These can be essential for legal or medical verification.
Contact InformationInclude all known phone numbers (cell, work, home) and email addresses.
Medical DetailsNote any significant medical conditions or allergies that emergency services might need to know.
Physical IdentifiersKeep a recent, clear color photo (updated every six months), plus height, weight, hair and eye color, glasses or braces, and any unique marks, scars, or tattoos.

Social Network

Top Friends ListCompile a list of their closest 10 friends, including addresses and phone numbers.
Family ContactsNote family members they are close to and their contact details.
Romantic PartnerIf applicable, include their partner’s name, address, and phone number.
Social Media AccountsRecord usernames and passwords for platforms they use regularly.
Communication HistoryReview frequent contacts from phone logs or messaging apps for patterns.

Daily Habits and Routines

Favorite HangoutsList the top 10 places they enjoy spending time and why (e.g., parks, coffee shops, gyms).
Routine ScheduleRecord the hours of the day and frequency they visit these locations.
Hobbies and InterestsIdentify where they pursue hobbies, such as clubs or studios.
Regular AppointmentsInclude scheduled visits to doctors, therapists, or other professionals.

Work and School Details

SchedulesDocument their work or class schedule, including shifts, hours, and class times.
Employer InformationNote the company name, address, supervisor’s name, and contact number.
Work or Class FriendsInclude names and phone numbers of coworkers or classmates.
ID NumbersRecord student or employee badge numbers for verification purposes.

Financial and Technology Information

Banking DetailsKeep track of financial institutions and branch locations.
Transaction HistoryReview recent spending or ATM withdrawals for clues.
Device AccessEnsure you have phone login information (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or Face ID).
Service Provider DetailsNote their phone carrier and account information.

Transportation Information

Vehicle DetailsRecord their car’s make, model, color, and license plate number.
Public Transit RoutesList buses, trains, or other public transportation they frequently use.
Ride-Share AppsNote accounts for services like Uber or Lyft.
Preferred PathsIdentify biking or walking routes they commonly take.

Emergency and Legal Information

Insurance DetailsKeep medical insurance provider and policy numbers handy.
Primary Care ContactsInclude their doctor’s or therapist’s contact information.
Legal ObligationsNote any upcoming court dates or fines.
Avoided AreasIdentify any locations or situations they actively steer clear of.

Technology and Tracking

DevicesRecord their phone, smartwatch, or tracker information.
Location-Sharing AppsEnsure Find My (Apple), Find Hub (Google), or Life360 is set up with family sharing on, and that you can log in from another device.
GPS HistoryEnable location history on their devices for potential tracking.
Device PasswordsKeep passwords for laptops or tablets securely stored.

Travel and Activity Information

Planned TripsNote any vacations or upcoming travel plans.
Favorite DestinationsList frequent travel locations.
MembershipsInclude memberships to gyms, clubs, or organizations.
Event TicketsRecord tickets for concerts, movies, or sports events.

Community and Local Services

Religious or Community GroupsList any affiliations such as churches or support groups.
VolunteeringNote organizations they volunteer with.
Local ServicesInclude places they frequent, such as laundromats or libraries.

Having this information organized and up-to-date ensures you have a strong starting point if your child is unreachable. While I hope you never need to use it, preparation is key to acting quickly and effectively in emergencies. Store this information securely and review it periodically to ensure accuracy.

Remember, preparedness can make all the difference in a time of crisis.

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What information should I have ready in case my child goes missing?

Have their full name, date of birth, contact numbers, medical details, and identifying marks, plus their closest 10 friends with addresses and phone numbers, top 10 hangouts, school or work schedule, vehicle and license plate, device logins, phone carrier, bank locations, and social media accounts.

What do I need to know to help find a missing person?

Know who they spend time with, where they go, and how they get there. That means friends, family, and partner contacts, favorite hangouts with hours and frequency, routines and appointments, vehicle details, transit and walking routes, recent transactions, and access to their phone and location history. The list works for any loved one.

How do I prepare a missing child information sheet?

Compile it ahead of time, section by section: personal details, social network, daily routines, work and school, financial and technology, transportation, emergency and legal, tracking, travel, and community ties. Store it securely and review it periodically so it stays accurate.

What location sharing apps should I set up for my family?

Set up Find My (Apple), Find Hub (Google), or Life360 with family sharing on, and make sure you can log in from another device. Also turn on GPS location history on their devices, record their phone, smartwatch, or tracker details, and keep device passwords and phone login information stored securely.

Is there a printable missing child checklist?

Yes. A printable PDF of the checklist is available as a $5 download. It is also included with site membership.

Keep going

Read nextPersonal Resilience: Money, Records, Privacy, and Security That Do Not Depend on Anyone ElseYou cannot control what a bank, a platform, an agency or a bad actor decides to do. You can control how much of your life runs through them. This is the list I work from: cash and assets that cannot be frozen with a click, records in your own hands, a phone and a home that do not broadcast your routine, the words to use when someone with authority is standing in front of you, and the people and skills that make all of it hold.Security · Guide

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Kits and Planning · ToolLast reviewed 2026-02-09

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