### Question
How does the law define missing child?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 5772*, **missing child** is defined as:

> any individual less than 18 years of age whose whereabouts are unknown to such individual's legal custodian

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 5772*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 72-JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION > SUBCHAPTER IV-MISSING CHILDREN**

