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 findings: 

	81% were 12 years old or older in non-family cases
	58% were 12 years old or older in stereotypical kidnappings
	In 40% of stereotypical kidnappings, the child was killed
	In another 4%, the child was not recovered
	86% of the perpetrators are male
	The abducted children are predominantly female
	Nearly half of all victims were sexually assaulted

Over 1.5 million children had a runaway or throwaway 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.  Throwaway 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.

Runaway/throwaway findings:

	Two-thirds of children are between 15 and 17 years old
	The male-female ratio is equal
	More than half returned home in the same week
	99% return home
	21% are physically or sexually abused at home

	42% have family problems
	14% because of peer pressure
	5% because of drug or alcohol abuse
	4% because of physical abuse

 Child Find of America Inc. is a national not-for-profit organization that locates missing children through active investigation and publicity, prevents child abduction through education, and prevents/resolves incidents of parental abduction through conflict management and mediation.