For families, caregivers, and researchers.

What to do if a vulnerable person goes missing

Time is the most critical factor. Do these steps in order. Do not delay calling police to search first.

1. Call 911 immediately

   Do not wait to see if the person comes back. Under current criteria, police may not issue a broad alert, but they can begin a search immediately. When you call: give the person's name and description, their condition (autism, dementia, etc.), when and where they were last seen, and known locations they may walk toward.

2. Head to water first

   Drowning is the leading cause of death in wandering cases. While waiting for police, if it is safe to do so, have someone check every body of water within 500 metres: ponds, rivers, ditches, storm drain access points, and retention basins. Tell police explicitly which water sources are nearby when you call.

3. Tell police about known locations of interest

   Many vulnerable individuals walk toward known, familiar places: a favourite park, a specific store, a pool, a school. If your family member has a location they gravitate toward, tell police immediately. This narrows the search area.

4. Share a current photo

   Have a current, clear photo ready to send to police. If you are registered with the RCMP Vulnerable Persons Registry or your local police's equivalent program, tell police immediately when you call so they can access your profile.

5. Alert your immediate neighbourhood

   Text or call neighbours within a few blocks. Ask them to check their yards, sheds, and enclosed spaces. Many wandering individuals seek enclosure for sensory comfort. Post to local community Facebook groups or Nextdoor with a photo.

6. Check enclosed spaces and dark areas

   Garages, sheds, under decks, large bushes, and culverts. Autistic and cognitively impaired individuals may not respond to calling but may remain stationary once in an enclosed or dark space.

7. Contact the Missing Children Society of Canada (if applicable)

   If the missing person is a child, the Missing Children Society of Canada (1-800-661-6160) can provide search support and coordination assistance alongside police.

8. Do not give up

   Vulnerable individuals have been found days after going missing. Continue to coordinate with police, monitor community groups, and maintain contact with your search team. Fatigue is natural. Persistence matters.

Emergency contacts and alert programs by province

Each province and territory manages its own alert authority. Below are the relevant programs and contacts by jurisdiction. This list is maintained by Indigo Alert Canada and updated as information changes.

For researchers and policy advocates

Source materials, policy precedents, and academic references used by the Indigo Alert Canada campaign. Freely available for use in your own research, journalism, or advocacy.

Primary academic and research sources

Policy precedents

How to connect with the campaign

Researchers, journalists, and policy advocates can contact the campaign directly:

• General inquiries and corrections: hello@indigoalertcanada.com
• Media requests: Download the media kit (logos, infographics, fact sheet) or email hello@indigoalertcanada.com
• Elected officials and staff: Use the representative contact tool on the main page, or contact us directly to coordinate.
• Pledge of support (elected officials): See the Pledge Outreach Kit — email us to request a copy.

What has happened, and what is next

This page documents the Indigo Alert Canada campaign's progress for transparency, public accountability, and CRA compliance purposes. Updated as milestones occur.