Some of the most heart wrenching stories are those of a missing child.
In Canada, an average of 60,000 children are reported missing per year, which is about the entire population of the Central Kootenay region. These statistics reflect only those under 18 who have been reported missing to the police.
Most missing children are reported as runaways, unknown or parental abduction. A very small amount are because the child is abducted by a stranger, the child just wandered off, or another reason.
When reading these statistics, please remember that not all of these children are still missing. The amounts reflect how many reports were filed. Most children are often found within 72 hours. Sadly, some aren't found alive.
Kidnap - Abducted by a stranger, or someone other than the mother or father Wandered - When a child is presumed to have wandered away in a confused state and has not returned when expected Run - When a child has believed to have run away Unknown - Reason for being missing is unknown PA - Parental Abduction, abduction by the mother or the father only Accident - When the child's disappearance is considered an accident, but no body has been recovered Other - When a child has not returned to a detention home or institution housing for young offender
In Depth Study
In 1996, the RCMP Missing Children's Registry did a study to see the cause of a child being reported missing, a gender profile, and an age profile of the missing children. The evidence is shown in tables below.
Age at Disappearance: 12 Missin: May 6, 1978 Last Seen: Nicola Lake Background: First Nations Height: Unknown Hair Colour: Brown Eye Colour: Brown Wearing: Pink floral top; brown cords; blue running shoes Distinguishing Features: Unknown Remains Found: June 1995 Found: Merritt File Number: Unknown Info: Was last seen riding her bike; on the official Highway of Tears list; case solved.