It is estimated that 2,300 children are missing every day in the United States. Children can become missing for many reasons. The NISMART program identifies 5 categories of episodes that can cause children to become missing:
01.
Family abduction
02.
Stranger abduction
03.
Run away/thrown away
04.
Lost, stranded or injured
05.
Benign reason (i.e. misunderstandings)
Family/Parental Abductions
An estimated 203,900 children were victims of a family abduction in 1999. A family abduction occurs when a family member takes or keeps a child in violation of the custodial parent’s/guardian’s legitimate rights.
Family/Parental Abduction Stats
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78% of abductors are the non-custodial parent
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35% of children were between 6-11 years old
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24% of the abductions lasted between 1 week and 1 month
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82% of abductors intended to affect custody permanently
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21% are other relatives
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42% of children were living with a single parent
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15% were living with another relative/foster parent
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66% were taken by a male relative
Why Do Family Members Become Abductors?
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They are dissatisfied with custody decision in court
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They have been denied visitation for not paying child support
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They are protecting the child and/or themselves from abuse
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They are angry with the break-up of the relationship
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They are angry with the other parent’s new partner/lifestyle
Non-Family Abductions and Stereotypical Kidnappings
An estimated 58,200 children were victims of a non-family abduction in 1999. Non-family abductions occur when someone who is not a relative abducts and detains a child without lawful authority or parental permission with the intention to keep the child permanently. In 1999 there were also 115 stereotypical kidnappings. A stereotypical kidnapping occurs when a stranger or slight acquaintance transports a child 50 miles or more from home and either kills the child, holds the child for ransom, or intends to keep the child permanently.
Non-Family Abduction and Stereotypical Kidnapping Stats
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81% were 12 years old or older in non-family cases
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58% were 12 years old or older in stereotypical kidnappings
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In 40% of stereotypical kidnappings, the child was killed
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In another 4%, the child was not recovered
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86% of the perpetrators are male
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The abducted children are predominantly female
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Nearly half of all victims were sexually assaulted
Runaways/Thrownaways
Over 1.5 million children had a runaway or thrownaway episode in 1999. Runaway cases occur when a child of 14 years or less leaves home without permission for at least one night. For older children, a runaway is defined as a child who stay out for at least two nights. Thrownaway episodes occur when a parent or other household adult tells a child to leave the house without arranging alternative care and prevents the child from returning home.
Runaways/Thrownaways
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Two-thirds of children are between 15 and 17 years old
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The male-female ratio is equal
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More than half returned home in the same week
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99% return home
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21% are physically or sexually abused at home
Why Do Children Run Away From Home?
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42% have family problems
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14% because of peer pressure
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5% because of drug or alcohol abuse
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4% because of physical abuse
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