Your Question
Our 15 year old daughter has been missing for over 24 hours! We have contacted Gardai but they said that we should wait some more time but we feel extremely anxious and scared. She went to a party and she has been completely okay mentally. Me and my husband don’t know what else to do, no one has seen her and it seems like something terrible has happened to her!!! I can pray till we find her!!!
Answer
Welcome to Ask Robyn
Welcome to our Ask Robyn service and thank you for reaching out at such a frightening time. We are really sorry that you and your husband are going through this. It is completely understandable to feel anxious and overwhelmed when your child has been missing, even for a short period of time.
Our concern for your daughter
We are very concerned to hear that your 15 year old daughter has not returned home and that no one has been able to confirm where she is. When a young person goes missing, parents often fear the worst and those feelings can intensify with every passing hour. Your worry and fear show how much you care about her safety and wellbeing.
Taking action and seeking support
Although the Gardaí have advised waiting, it is important to continue to trust your instincts and to stay proactive. You may find it helpful to read this information from Childline about young people going missing, which outlines what can happen and what steps families can take: childline.ie/going-
In addition, the ISPCC runs a confidential Missing Children’s Hotline for young people who have run away or are thinking of running away. This service is free to call on 116 000 and can also support families during this time.
You can also find further guidance and updates on reporting missing persons through the Garda website: garda.ie/en/
Next steps you can take right now
In the meantime, there are a few practical steps that may help you feel more supported and in control while you wait for news
- Continue to stay in contact with Gardaí and ask for regular updates or advice on next steps
- Reach out to your daughter’s friends, their parents or trusted adults who may have seen her after the party
- Check social media or messaging apps for any recent activity or clues about her plans
- Contact the Missing Children’s Hotline on 116 000 for guidance and emotional support
You are not alone
Finally, please remember that you do not have to cope with this on your own. If you would like to talk some more about this, our Support Line is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm on 01 5224300, (reopening January 5th). You can also email us at [email protected].
We are thinking of you and your family and we hope your daughter is found safe very soon. Remember to look after yourself too,
Robyn
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