On most of the shows covering missing persons, the mother or father mentions they called the detective (however often they felt like it). jmo but if significant evidence turns up, LE will contact CM's parents. Otherwise, based on observation, someone from the family has to check in with LE. Maybe someone closer to a case will comment or has had a different experience. But I recall moms and dads being interviewed for a feature show explaining what they did to progress the case or just for their own sanity - they initiated contact with LE.
Have you heard people say that's not a club I wanted to join? Some will say this when a parent dies (most of us will face this life changing event). But having a child go missing is in a category of its own. Isn't there a group Jonni can turn to at this time for guidance and some comfort from people who really know what she's going through?
Not a regular counselor but someone who has walked in her shoes. How can she find that person or people?