This chapter describes the problem of missing children along with its assessment; diagnosis; levels of prevention/intervention; primary, secondary, and tertiary strategies for dealing with the behavior; and parenting tips. Children, especially children with autism, may wander, while others may run away, become lost in unfamiliar places or during disasters, or be abducted. Most missing children leave of their own accord, usually because of an adverse family situation; others are thrown out of their families, and many of these are not reported. About one third of this group runs away from foster care. When these children are gone for prolonged periods of time, they become at risk for medical and psychological problems, as well as crime as they may be subjected to human trafficking and drug trafficking. Children may also be abducted by neighbors and other acquaintances. Most nonfamily abductors are male, and most victims are female.

Listening is an active and dynamic process of interaction that requires intentional effort to attend to a client’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Listening is an integral part and foundation of nurse–client relationships and one of the most effective therapeutic techniques available to nurses. The theoretical underpinnings of listening can be traced back to counseling psychology and psychotherapy. Listening is a significant component of therapeutic communication with patients and foundational to the building of an effective therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Listening is also a key to improving patient safety in complex clinical settings. Listening is an intervention itself as well as being foundational in the administration of other complementary therapies. Therapeutic listening enables clients to better understand their feelings and experience being understood by another caring person. Sensitivity and awareness of cultural variations in communication styles are vital to intervention effectiveness.