THINGS TO AVOID WHEN ASSISTING THE SEARCHING FAMILY
Every family is different, and every family will handle the event of a missing child differently. The Family Liaison should know the family of the missing child very well, so that they are in a position to be able to assist and support the searching family in the best way possible. Respecting the searching family’s wishes is extremely important. The following are some general ideas of what to avoid:
Don’t share information with individuals (whether they’re in the searching family or not) without the approval of the parents of the missing child beforehand.
Don’t try to protect the searching family too much — searching families want and need information.
Don’t hide or deny information if the searching family asks you about it.
Don’t assume that the searching family of the missing child wants your help. Every searching family will respond differently and it will be important to be flexible and responsive to the searching family’s wishes.