Missing Persons Clearinghouse

Toll Free Hotline: 1-800-346-3543

What We Do

The Missing Persons Clearinghouse assists law enforcement agencies handling cases involving children, college students and vulnerable adults who have gone missing.

Clearinghouse staff members have extensive experience in law enforcement, training and information technology, and they provide investigative support services to local, state and national law enforcement, assistance to left-behind family members and community education programs.

The Clearinghouse:

  • Provides support to family members of children, college students and vulnerable adults who are missing, and offers community education programs;
  • Administers three alerts that quickly disseminate information about a child, college student or vulnerable adult who is missing and at risk of harm;
  • Publicizes cases at the request of family members and law enforcement online, through social media and the distribution of printed and electronic posters;
  • Provides short- and long-term investigative assistance to law enforcement; and
  • Trains police officers and develops and distributes procedures and best practice guides for law enforcement agencies.

View Active Cases & Alerts

The Missing Persons Clearinghouse has received permission from family members and/or legal guardians to publicize these individuals’ cases. View active alerts or unsolved cases by category.

How You Can Help Tips or Info: 1-800-346-3543

Clearinghouse Fund

Support the search for missing and abducted children with tax-deductible voluntary contributions. You may also mail contributions to us: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse Fund, 80 South Swan St. Albany, New York 12210.

Voluntary Contributions

Missing Person Resources
What You Can Do

  • Call 911 if you have information about a case or see an individual featured in an alert. Be sure to communicate the person’s whereabouts – street, city, county – and vehicle information, including license plate number and description, if applicable.
  • Visit NY Alert and register to receive Clearinghouse alerts.
  • Use social media to share those alerts.
  • Follow the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse on Facebook for news about cases and alerts.

Find resources below to help prevent or resolve missing person situations.

Helping Children Stay Safe
Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest

Open to 5th graders across New York state, this annual poster contest helps children use art to raise awareness of how to stay safe.
Poster Contest
Resources for Teachers
2026 Missing Children's Day Poster Contest Winning Poster

Contact

Toll-Free Hotline

1-800-346-3543

 

Missing Persons Clearinghouse

Missing Persons Clearinghouse
80 South Swan St.
Albany, New York 12210