The profiles of various categories of missing children are designed to help the investigator understand typical circumstances, motivations and personal characteristics associated with each category of missing child. Categories of missing children include abandoned children (parents are responsible for expelling the child from the parental home and care), parental kidnappings (usually in association with custody disputes), children missing due to foul play, lost children, and runaways. Investigators involved in any case involving a missing child should acquire knowledge of the characteristics, motives, and behaviors of the various categories of missing children, and every case should be assumed to be foul play until evidence indicates otherwise. Other investigative steps are to obtain a complete description of the child, including a recent color photograph; develop a composite of the child's mental process; obtain information on the parent-child relationship; and gather information from family, friends, and acquaintances regarding recent events and the child's behavior. Other steps are to check all hazardous areas in the vicinity where the child disappeared, determine the child's knowledge of the area, and develop a methodical investigative plan. 76 notes and 43 references.