Serious question here. How does giving a description of a missing child aid in the search?
During the first 24 hours, it might be that the child is stumbling about lost. But if they haven’t turned up after that, it’s almost certain that they’re in the company of someone who’s making every effort to keep anyone from seeing them. [sub]If they’re alive at all, that is.[/sub]
I get missing-children fliers in the mail on a regular basis. Often, there’s a photo of the child and an adult—“May be seen with/Last seen with”—which may indicate an abduction by a non-custodial relative. That’s a good lead, because that person may be traveling openly with the child. But children don’t go around on their own. Whenever I see a picture of just a kid, my stomach hurts clear down to my toes.
[obligatory but heartfelt]My prayers go out to Elizabeth Smart’s parents. And the parents of that little boy who disappeared week before last and turned up at the bottom of a pool. And everyone else whose child has disappeared.[/obligatory but heartfelt]