When someone goes missing, neighbors who are ready can help bring them home.
Community Search Network screens, trains and supports everyday people who want to help search for missing people at risk, especially autistic children and adults and people living with dementia.
How CSN works
Most people who want to help have no team to join. CSN is that team. We take you from interested neighbor to cleared, trained volunteer, and we stay with you after.
Recruit
Neighbors who are not part of a search team, agency or group sign up through CSN.
Screen
Spotters and searchers verify their identity. Searchers also complete a background check, only with their written permission.
Train
Core training for everyone, plus training for the level each volunteer chooses.
Insure
It is CSN policy that volunteers are covered by insurance before they ever search.
Search
Cleared volunteers help when search leaders ask the community for support.
Four ways to help on a search
Every volunteer joins at the level that fits their ability and interest. Searches need all four.
Spotter
Eyes and ears from home. Gets alerts, checks cameras, windows, porch and yard, and reports what they see.
Searcher
Out and moving. Picks an area, searches it and reports what they find.
Pro searcher
First responders: police, fire, EMS, search and rescue, and federal agencies.
Assistance responder
Neurological-condition professionals and CIT-trained officers who calm a crisis and make it safe.
Why it matters
Autistic children and adults may wander toward water, traffic or quiet hidden places, and may not answer when their name is called. People living with dementia can become lost minutes from home. The first hours matter most.
Police and search teams lead every search. A trained group of neighbors who already know the area, and who are already screened and ready, can add eyes and hands when leaders ask for them.
Starting in Northern Virginia. CSN opens volunteer applications in phases, area by area, so every new volunteer can be screened, trained and covered before they search. Apply now and we will contact you when your area opens.
Learn skills that save lives
You do not have to wait for a search to be useful. CSN connects people to hands-on training they can use anywhere: at home, at work, on the trail.
- CPR and first aidThe basics that keep someone alive until help arrives.
- Map and compassKnow where you are, where you have looked, and how to get back.
- Search awarenessHow a line search works and how to look so nothing is missed.
- Autism and dementia awarenessHow to approach, speak with and comfort someone who is lost and scared.
Be one of the first in your neighborhood
Tell us where you are and how you'd like to help. We'll reach out when your area opens and when a training comes up near you.
Ready to help your neighbors?
Choose your level and apply. We will walk you through screening and training, and tell you when your area opens.