What is the first step to take if a child is believed to be missing?

When a child is believed to be missing, the first step to take is to notify parents and caregivers. This action is crucial because the parents or caregivers are likely to have the best knowledge of the child's habits, whereabouts, and potential places the child might be. They may also have insights about any recent changes in the child's behavior or interactions that could provide context for the situation.

Additionally, involving parents and caregivers helps establish a collaborative approach to locating the child, ensuring that everyone who knows the child is informed and can assist in the search. They may also have important information that could help rule out scenarios where the child may not be truly missing but rather has gone to a location they typically frequent or is momentarily engaged in an activity.

Filing a police report, completing an incident report, and searching the immediate area are also important steps that may follow, but proper communication with parents or caregivers should serve as the foundational first step to effectively address the situation.