Thousands of people are reported missing each year, yet very little is known about who they are, why they disappear and what happens to them. Although the predicament of runaways and other missing children has a higher profile, the issue of missing adults has been neglected in research and policy. Drawing on almost 2000 missing persons cases the report explores: . vbTab]who goes missing;. vbTab]why people choose to go missing and how people can become missing in other circumstances;. vbTab]the experiences of missing people while they are away and the risks that they may encounter;. vbTab]how missing episodes are resolved;. vbTab]how further developments in policy and practice may assist missing people and their families. This highly topical report demonstrates that the social problems underpinning the missing issue cut across many areas of social policy. This book will therefore be essential reading for policy makers, practitioners and academics in the fields of criminal justice, child and family welfare, health and social work.