Toulmin's categories, which classify statements as grounds, warrants, and conclusions, are used to examine the rhetoric of claims made about the missing children problem. In particular, the grounds for missing children claims included a broad definition of the problem, horrific examples, and large estimates of the problem's scope, while references to the priceless, blameless nature of children and the evils threatening missing children provided by warrants. The rhetorical devices, analogues to those identified in this case study, appear in claims-making about other social problems. The author also identifies some patterns in rhetorical work, conditions favoring rhetoric of rectitude or rationality. The relationship between rhetoric and the cultural context within which claims emerge deserves further study. (Author abstract modified)