Roughly 15 years ago, a boy who was tired of his art class at summer camp decided to walk to his parent’s restaurant on Memorial Blvd without telling anyone. We found him an hour or two later. We now have the child check-in systems and other measures to help prevent this type of incident from happening again.
The first thing done when a child goes missing now is to declare a CODE ADAM. Named for Adam Walsh, the 6-year-old son of John Walsh (America’s Most Wanted host), Code Adam was used by Wal-Mart originally, and now most department stores, retail shops, supermarkets, hospitals, and museums follow the same system.
When a child goes missing:
1. Get a detailed description of the child including what they are wearing.
2. Use the telephone handset intercom to declare a CODE ADAM. Give the description over the intercom.
3. Use the walkie-talkie to declare a CODE ADAM. Remind Security to lock down the building and remind all staff to take their walkie-talkies and search the building.
4. Security will stay at the entrances and turn away anyone who tries to come in except for law enforcement. They should tell anyone who tries to come in we are doing a safety check and will reopen shortly. Do not say we have a missing child.
5. Search the building for 10 minutes before calling 911.
6. When law enforcement arrives, follow their instructions.
After the child is found:
1. If the child is found and appears to have been lost but unharmed, they are returned to their family members or guardian.
2. If the child is found with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, try and delay their departure for as long as possible until law enforcement arrives without putting the child in danger. We cannot physically stop the person from leaving with the child. We can however take photos of them and their license plate.
3. “All Clear” will be announced when the child has been found, returned to their parents, that we are open to the public again, and everything is back to normal.
If a Child is Found without a Parent/Guardian
1. You should broadcast over the radio that “I have found a lost child.”
2. DO NOT REPORT A DESCRIPTION OF THE CHILD. Anyone claiming the child should be able to describe them to you.
3. You should take the child to the Hollis Gallery (Lobby). All other staff should search the building for the child’s parents for 10 minutes. Ellen and Megan C. should go to the Hollis Gallery to see if they recognize the child.
4. Gregory, Pal or Joe will call 911 if the child's parent or guardian have not been found in 10 minutes
5. After the 10-minute mark is up, take the child to the Education office. Start them working on a drawing or craft project to keep them calm while waiting for the Police to arrive. There is a pre-made packet of art supplies with the first aid kit over the mailboxes for this event.
6. The front desk should direct the Police to the education office when they arrive. If possible, send someone with them to show them the way.
NOTE: As soon as possible, an additional staff member should wait with you and the lost child.