“No wait period” to report missing child, says child protection agency

WINNIPEG — Finding out their child is missing is every parent’s worst nightmare.

The search for 17-year-old Cooper Nemeth continued as the River East Collegiate student still has not been found after his sudden disappearance on February 14.

Families reeling from the uncertainty of their child’s whereabouts have resources and support they can turn to in times of need.

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She also dispelled a myth of a waiting period parents need to abide by, before making the call to police about a missing child.

“There’s no rule about how long they have to wait to call the police,” Dzikowicz said.

“From people watching television shows, they think they need to wait 24 hours or something. That’s never existed.”

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Counselors at River East Collegiate have spoken to Nemeth’s classmates and the River East Transcona School Division said it may consider bringing in crisis support units in the future, if needed.