Finding a Runaway Adult Child with Mental Illness: A Step-by-Step Guide

Immediate Actions

1. File a missing person report with police. There is no waiting period for adults at risk. Provide recent photos, description, vehicle info, known associates, and details of mental health condition/medications.
2. Request a welfare check if you know their location but they are not responding.
3. Ask police to enter them into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) as an endangered adult.

Engage Mental Health Resources

• Contact their psychiatrist, therapist, or case manager. They may have insight or legal tools (e.g., involuntary commitment criteria).
• Reach out to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for local support and guidance: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
• If they are on assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) or have a psychiatric advance directive, notify the treatment team.

Leverage Personal and Digital Networks

• Contact school/employer for last known schedule or contacts.
• Check social media, email, phone records (with legal authority if needed).
• Post on community pages (Nextdoor, local Facebook groups) with police case number.
• Register with NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System).

Address Safety and Legal Considerations

• If they are a danger to self/others, police can initiate an emergency hold (varies by state).
• Consider guardianship/conservatorship if they lack capacity—consult an elder law or disability attorney.
• If substance use is involved, contact SAMHSA (1-800-662-HELP) for treatment locators.

Self-Care for Family

• Join a family support group (NAMI Family-to-Family, local chapters).
• Set boundaries; you cannot control their choices.
• Document everything for legal/medical purposes.
• Stay persistent—many missing adults are located weeks or months later.

Hope is not a strategy, but it is essential. Combine systematic action with emotional support for yourself and other family members.