As parents, the safety of our children is always our top priority. While we hope never to face a situation where our child goes missing, it is important to know that help is available. In Croatia, as in the rest of Europe, there is a single helpline number for missing children – 116 000. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides support to parents and families during difficult times. In Croatia, it is managed by the Centre for Missing and Abused Children.
What is 116 000?
116 000 is a free, confidential, and anonymous helpline dedicated to reporting the disappearance of a child and providing assistance to families in such situations. The helpline is part of the European network Missing Children Europe, ensuring that your call can be answered quickly and effectively, no matter where in Europe you are located.
When should you call 116 000?
You should call 116 000:
- Immediately after noticing that your child is missing. Every moment counts, and a quick response can be crucial in finding the child.
- If you suspect that your child is in danger or has been abducted.
- If you have any information about a missing child, even if you are unsure whether the information is relevant.
Who answers the calls?
The 116 000 helpline is staffed by trained professionals – psychologists, social workers, and other experts – who have experience working with missing children and their families. They can provide:
- Emotional support: They understand what you’re going through and are there to listen and comfort you.
- Practical advice: They will help you make an action plan, advise you on who to contact, and guide you on how to behave in this situation.
- Information: They will give you details about legal procedures, options for finding your child, and other relevant topics.
What to expect when you call 116 000?
When you call 116 000, the professionals will talk to you to gather the necessary information. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- About the child: Name, age, appearance, clothing worn at the time of disappearance, identifying features (e.g., birthmarks, scars).
- About the disappearance: Where the child was last seen, who they were with, what they were doing, and any circumstances that might have led to the disappearance.
- About you: Your name, contact information, and your relationship with the child.
Important to know:
The 116 000 helpline is free of charge for all callers.
Your calls are confidential and anonymous, if you wish.
The professionals on the 116 000 helpline are there to help and support you, regardless of the circumstances of the disappearance.
Additional advice:
Prevention: Talk to your children about safety. Teach them not to talk to strangers, not to get into cars with unknown people, and always to tell you where they’re going and with whom.
Photos: Take regular photos of your children, as an up-to-date photo can be extremely helpful in case of disappearance.
Documents: Keep your children's personal documents (birth certificate, passport) in a safe place.
In difficult moments, the Centre for Missing and Abused Children is there for you. Don’t hesitate to call and seek help through the free helpline number 116 000.
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