Some children are found dead, and some are never recovered at all. Immediate and intensive location efforts are necessary. Children abducted by non-custodial parent live the life of victims of both emotional and sometimes physical abuse. They are frequently traumatized not only emotionally but by physical abuse from a desperate absconding parent.
Runaways comprise the largest category of missing children.
The manpower and resources needed to track them, as well as the perception that they will eventually return to their families by themselves, have made them a difficult enforcement problem. Unfortunately, while away, they are likely to be exposed to adverse and exploitive influences including drugs and prostitution. Often they enter criminal statistics through these activities or others. The Clearinghouse operates as a Delaware response center for missing children administered through the Delaware State Police . By act of the Delaware State Legislator on June 11, 1985.