Guidance & Resources
Missing Persons & Runaways
Filing reports, at-risk definitions, runaway guidance, and community resources.
Having a loved one go missing can be extremely overwhelming. You may be feeling a wide range of emotions and wonder what to do next.
Missing Persons
At-Risk Definition
A missing person may be considered at-risk if any of the following factors apply:
- 1 A child 13 years of age or younger (National Child Search Assistance Act)
- 2 Out of the zone of safety for their age, developmental stage, or mental or physical condition
- 3 Diminished mental capacity or suicidal tendencies
- 4 Prescription drug-dependent and in need of life-sustaining medications
- 5 A potential victim of foul play or sexual exploitation
- 6 In a life-threatening situation
- 7 Has been absent 8 or more hours before being reported (an 8-hour delay is not required before reporting)
- 8 Accompanying a juvenile or adult who could endanger their welfare
- 9 Absent under circumstances inconsistent with established behavioral patterns
Although being a missing person or runaway is not illegal, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office takes these cases seriously.
Step One — File a Report
- Contact local law enforcement or the agency responsible for the last known residence of the missing person
- Have details about the circumstances and descriptive information ready
- Clearly state why you believe the person is missing
- Get the contact information for the officer taking the report
- Request the agency case number
- Contact family and friends who should know about the situation
Step Two — After Report Filed
- Maintain open communication with law enforcement
- Ask before conducting your own investigation
- Get the word out to family and friends
- Contact the agency before disposing of any personal items
- Discuss providing a family DNA sample with investigators
- List frequently visited places and close associates
- Provide bank, dentist, internet service, and cell provider information
- Retain phone records
- Notify investigators when the person is found
Runaways
Definition
Individuals under 18-years-of-age who run away from their parents or guardians are considered runaways. Information is entered into the Colorado and NCIC systems. Deputies check status through NCIC; contact with runaways results in temporary custody and parental notification.
Important
Running away in Colorado is NOT considered a status offense.
Colorado Definitions
- Child/Juvenile: Any person under 18 years of age
- Youth: Any person at least 15 but less than 18 years of age
- Homeless Youth: Youth ages 15–18 lacking a fixed nighttime residence or residing in a shelter or temporary institution
What to Do
Parents are encouraged to contact friends and check frequently visited locations.
Individuals who knowingly provide shelter to runaways without parental consent can be charged with aiding or harboring a runaway, which is a misdemeanor.
Tips for Locating a Runaway
- Make a list of all friends, associates, and classmates; start calling
- Identify any boyfriend or girlfriend and their location
- Keep track of contacts, information shared, and timing
- Consider *57 call trace (small fee, approximately $2 per trace)
- List all "hangouts" and activities
- Document what the runaway took (clothing, food, money, phone, other items)
- Check telephone, computer history, and internet access
- Check school attendance and work history
- Monitor the home for signs of sneaking back for food, money, or clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
National Resources
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Assists with preventing child abductions and recovering missing children.
missingkids.orgTeam Hope with NCMEC
A group of parents who have experienced having a missing or exploited child.
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
Brings people, information, forensic science, and technology together.
namus.nij.ojp.govVictim Services with NamUs
Links families affected by loss or disappearance with service providers.
National Runaway Safeline
Federally designated national runaway and homeless youth crisis hotline. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY.
1800runaway.orgChild Find of America
National expert in the prevention and resolution of parental and family abduction.
Child Watch of North America
Non-profit organization for the prevention and recovery of missing, abused, and exploited children.
The ADAM Program
Distributes missing child posters to police, news media, schools, and businesses.
When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide
A resource guide for families of missing children, published by the U.S. Department of Justice.
State Resources
Colorado Bureau of Investigations Missing Persons Unit
Assists local law enforcement, manages the Missing Person Alert Program, and functions as the state clearinghouse.
Victim Assistance for Missing Persons Cases
CBI victim advocates help families locate support groups and serve as liaisons with law enforcement.
Colorado Alerts
AMBER Alert, Missing Senior Citizen Alert, Developmental Disabilities Alert, and Blue Alert.
Crime Stoppers Programs
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers, and Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers.
At-Risk Youth Resources in Jefferson County
Urban Peak
Works with homeless youth and at-risk youth.
Big City Mountaineer
Single-day outdoor programs and mentorships.
cityWILD
Experiential learning addressing inequity in education, economy, and outdoors access.
Colorado Youth At Risk
One-year intensive dropout prevention for 9th graders.
Community Resources Inc
Classroom programs and mentorships for at-risk Denver students.
Jefferson County Public Health
Care coordination for children (birth to 21) with special health care needs.
Colorado Wellness Center for Girls
Serves girls ages 12–21 with anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Services to help end homelessness in Denver.
Self Care
Be sure to lean on others during this time. It may be traumatic and having a support system can help tremendously.
Beware of individuals seeking money, such as private investigators or psychics. Report any suspicious solicitations to law enforcement.
Media attention can be useful, but set boundaries. You do not need to accept every media request or answer every question.
If you have a loved one who is missing, you are considered a co-victim of that incident. Victim Advocates are here to offer support, assistance, compassion, and understanding. Contact your investigating agency for a victim advocate or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Victim Assistance Program: 303-239-4649 (Spanish: 303-239-4312).