BCI - What Is A "Missing Person?" A "Missing Person" is one who,
for whatever reason is not found to be in their usual abode and
whose family or acquaintances are unaware of their whereabouts.
"Missing Children "are those who for whatever reason are not in
their usual abode and whose parents or caretakers are unaware of
the whereabouts. They include persons who: - are abducted by a
stranger or acquaintance; - are abducted by a parent or relative
due to custody disputes; - run away, become lost, or have been
discarded by their lawful custodian or parent. While the
majority of children who become "missing" are eventually
recovered or return home, they may be gone for significant
periods of time. Some children are found dead, and some are
never recovered at all. Coordination and cooperation between law
enforcement, the missing children's clearinghouse, and all
involved agencies can shorten the time a child is away from
his/her proper custodian or family, thereby lessening chances of
exposure to dangerous situati