Chapter 1 offers an introduction that specifies the most challenging aspect of a missing child complaint is the determination of whether it is an actual abduction, a runaway child, a thrown away child, or a fictitious report designed to cover up a family problem. The plan outlined in this document is not based on new innovation but rather involves the precise application of basic techniques; it was designed to supplement existing departmental procedures and protocols. Chapter 2 outlines the elements of the initial response to a missing child complaint. The purpose of the initial response is to gather enough information to determine what actually occurred, as discussed in chapter 1. Consideration should be given to the witnesses' accounts; victim's age; victim activity when last seen; history of disappearances; prior family incidents; and similar reports coming from the same area. Guidance is given for how investigators should proceed upon receipt of a complaint, upon arrival at the scene, and what to do when the child is not immediately located. Chapter 3 presents guidelines for the crime scene search and the general area search, including recommendations for searching abduction and recovery sites and for searching wooded and uninhabited areas. Chapter 4 presents important points in the collection of information about the victim (victimology) and in the liaison with the victim's family. Victimology analysis should include the collection of physical characteristics, behavior and personality characteristics, and family dynamics. Chapter 5 offers recommendations for neighborhood investigations, which is a crucial but oft-overlooked element of a child abduction investigation. Suggestions are also provided for roadblock canvasses. Chapter 6 turns to a brief presentation of interview strategies, while chapter 7 outlines the management components of a major case investigation, which are arranged into three groups: command, operations, and support. Recommendations are also made for the necessary flow of information. Chapter 8 outlines media strategies; chapter 9 presents a listing of further resources; and chapter 10 reviews some additional considerations, including the provision of support to the family. Appendices