I frequently get inquiries from people looking for help on locating a missing child.  Often the missing person is over 16 years of age, so they are deemed to be an adult in the eyes of the law.  In most cases police can't assist at all so a private investigator is contacted.

If the missing person refuses contact with their family / friends, it can be an extremely emotional and difficult situation. 

I was recently contacted by the sister of a missing person, who was an "adult" male.  He had been missing for over 5 weeks, refused all contact (in fact he had changed his mobile number) and his sister and mother were very concerned about his welfare.    

Here are my thoughts on this type of situation.