Missing Child Issues
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children assits in tens of thousands of missing child cases each year. NCMEC has a wide range of services for families of missing children, as well as myriad resources for social workers, law enforcement, attorneys, and others involved in a missing child incident.
Endangered Runaways
A child under the age of 18 who is missing of their own accord and whose whereabouts are unknown to their parent or legal guardian. These children are highly vulnerable to exploitation, including sex trafficking, while missing.
Autism & Wandering
Many children on the autism spectrum may bolt or elope from safety. Finding and safely recovering a missing child on the autism spectrum presents unique and difficult challenges for families, law enforcement, first responders and search teams.
Family Abductions
Family abductions are the second most common type of case reported to NCMEC. Family abductions may occur during bitter custody battles or other situations which make them dangerous for the children involved.
Missing from State/Foster Care
The majority of cases reported to NCMEC involve children missing from state/foster care. These children are highly vulnerable to exploitation while missing. Federal legislation requires foster families and state agencies to report a missing child from care to both NCMEC and local law enforcement.
Infant Abductions
Today, infant abductions are rare. Abductors often have notable charactaristics and abduct children from non-hospital settings.
Help ID Me
When human remains are found that are believed to belong to a child, NCMEC can assist law enforcement and medical examiners in the effort to give that child back their name.
Long-term Missing
Family abductions are the second most common type of case reported to NCMEC. Family abductions may occur during bitter custody battles or other situations which make them dangerous for the children involved.