The primary focus of child abduction research has been an attempt to determine accurate incidence and prevalence rates. However, existing child abduction literature fails to address exactly who is being abducted and under what circumstances. Moreover, the child abduction literature does not specifically address abduction outcomes. The authors note that recent child abduction and homicide research findings have identified the critical nature of victim age in determining specific offense patterns. They point out developmental victimology has significant practical application in child abduction investigations, and they recommend future research delineate a clear and consistent operational definition of child abduction. Risk factors for child abduction are discussed, including offender reports of victim selection methodology. Practical applications of research findings are considered, particularly in relation to the development of more scientifically sound and effective child safety training programs and improved investigative resource management and search methodologies. 36 references