What is the first location you should check for a missing child?

When responding to a missing child situation, the first location to check is often at the house. This is typically where the child was last known to be and where they would be most likely to return if they wandered off. Children may not travel far, especially if they are young, and they often seek familiar and safe places when feeling lost or scared. Checking at home first allows officers to quickly assess the situation, gather information from caregivers, and determine if the child may have left the property without anyone noticing.

In contrast, other locations like local parks, nearby schools, or friends' homes may be potential places the child could visit or be found, but they are secondary to the child's home environment, which should be the initial focus. This prioritization helps streamline the search and increase the chance of locating the child promptly.