Which category does a child aged 12 years and under fall into regarding reports of missing persons?

The correct categorization for a child aged 12 years and under regarding reports of missing persons is "Missing child." This term is specifically used for cases involving individuals who are not adults and are typically under the age of 18. "Missing child" emphasizes the unique considerations and protocols required for the safety and recovery of younger individuals, acknowledging that they may be more vulnerable and require different handling than missing adults or juveniles.

The distinctions among these categories are crucial for law enforcement and agencies involved in locating missing persons, as they can influence the urgency, response protocols, and resources allocated to the search. For children, especially those under 13, there is often an immediate and heightened alert due to the potential risks they may face.

Other categories like "Missing adult" and "Missing juvenile" serve different age demographics. A "Missing adult" refers to individuals aged 18 and over, while "Missing juvenile" encompasses those aged 18 and under but does not specifically address the heightened concerns associated with very young children. "Found child" denotes a situation where a missing child has been located safely, and it does not apply to children who are still unaccounted for.