If a child appears lost, stay in a visible public place and alert a uniformed staff member, security officer or information counter. Speak calmly and ask whether the child is looking for a caregiver. If the child is in immediate danger or you need urgent Police assistance, call 999. Call 995 for serious injury or a life-threatening medical emergency. Singapore Police Force missing-person reporting routes SCDF Emergency Medical Services
Keep the child away from immediate hazards and stay near the place you found them if it is safe. Ask another person to fetch staff if leaving would put the child at risk. Let staff or Police coordinate the handover and confirm who should collect the child.
- Stay in a visible place and alert staff.
- Call 999 for immediate Police help or 995 for a medical emergency.
- Share details privately with staff or Police and follow their handover instructions.
On this page
- Speak calmly and use simple questions
- Let staff or Police verify the caregiver
- Frequently asked questions
Speak calmly and use simple questions
Ask “Are you looking for someone?” or “Would you like me to ask the staff for help?” Give the child time to answer. A child may use gestures, a communication card or a device. Tell staff what you observed and what helped the child respond.
If a child is close to a roadway, escalator or other immediate hazard, help them move to the nearest safe visible point if you can. Tell staff where you found the child and where you are now.
Let staff or Police verify the caregiver
Give staff the time and location where you found the child, and share any caregiver information privately. If someone approaches claiming to be the caregiver, ask staff to handle the handover. Stay available to explain what happened.
A shopping-centre example
A shopper sees a child crying near a lift lobby. They ask another shopper to get security and stay nearby in view of other people. When security arrives, they give the exact location and explain that the child said they were looking for their aunt.
Frequently asked questions
Should I post the child’s photo online?
Give identifying details privately to staff or Police. They can use them to coordinate the response and verify the handover.
What if there are no venue staff nearby?
Call 999 if you need immediate Police help to keep the child safe. Give your exact location and the child’s condition. Singapore Police Force missing-person reporting routes