Get the right help, right now.

Start with the law-enforcement agency serving the location where the child was last seen.

1. Call 911 if the child may be in immediate danger. There is no waiting period for a missing-child report.
2. Call the agency serving the location where the child was last seen: MPD at 901-545-2677 in Memphis or SCSO at 901-379-7625 in Sheriff-served areas. Elsewhere, contact the appropriate local agency.
3. Be ready with the child’s age, physical and clothing description, recent photo, last known location and time, possible direction of travel or companions, vehicle information, and medical or safety needs.
4. Ask for the responding officer’s name, the case number, and the investigator’s contact information. After making the report, call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
5. Call COMEC at 901-222-0700 for non-emergency local guidance and family support.

You do not need to prove abuse before reporting a reasonable concern. Share what you observed, when it happened, and any information that can help identify and protect the child.

• Call the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004.
• For an immediate threat or medical emergency, call 911.
• Tennessee’s online referral may take up to 24 hours to process, so do not use it for an emergency.

NCMEC’s CyberTipline accepts reports involving suspected online enticement, sexual exploitation, child sexual-abuse material, sextortion, or trafficking involving a child.

• Do not confront a suspected offender or place yourself or the child at greater risk.
• Preserve usernames, profile links, dates, messages, and platform information when it is safe to do so.
• Do not download, resend, or distribute explicit images of a minor.

1. Contact local law enforcement and report the child missing. Share a recent photo, likely locations, phone and social account details, and known medical or safety concerns.
2. Call COMEC at 901-222-0700 for non-emergency local family support.
3. Call or text the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) for free, confidential, 24/7 support.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Do not intervene directly if doing so could endanger you or the person you are trying to help.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides confidential support. In Tennessee, call 988 and press 0 to reach specialized statewide crisis services for children and youth.