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National Estimates of Missing Children: An Overview

NCJ Number
196465
Author(s)
Andrea J. Sedlak; David Finkelhor; Heather Hammer; Dana J. Schultz
Date Published
October 2002
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This bulletin provides an overview of findings from the Second National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children (NISMART-2).
Abstract
Presents an overview of the second National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children (NISMART-2). First in a series summarizing NISMART-2 findings, this Bulletin describes NISMART component surveys and estimating methodology and defines the types of missing child episodes studied: nonfamily abduction (including stereotypical kidnapping); family abduction; runaway/thrownaway; missing involuntary, lost, or injured; and missing benign explanation. The Bulletin also presents national estimates for children classified as caretaker missing and those reported missing to law enforcement or other agencies, by type of episode and by child's age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The authors note that only a small proportion of all missing children are victims of stereotypical kidnappings.