Family Service Worker Absconder Guide Checklist
PREVENTION
Current picture of each child on file.
CFTM to discuss meeting child’s needs and to get child’s input on placement.
Tactfully discuss with the parent the penalty for harboring if the child returns home and the parent harbors the youth.
IMMEDIATELY
Insure caregiver notified law enforcement upon discovery of runaway and entered the youth into NCIC.
Collect all information regarding the absconder to include Police Report and NCIC numbers, time, date, clothing worn, clothing taken, etc.
Ensure the personal belongings of the AWOL child are secured.
Notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by going to the website: http://www.missingkids.com/home or calling: 1-800-843-5678
THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY
File a petition/attachment with the appropriate juvenile court.
Complete the Runaway/Escape Checklist and forward to individuals designated on the CS-705 (Runaway Checklist) Instructions Sheet .
Update information in TFACTS Case Recordings.
Notify the unit responsible for updating the placement screen in TFACTS.
WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT (48) BUSINESS HOURS
Visit the last known home address of the child and deliver a copy of the penalty letter for harboring.
WITHIN FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS
Make contact with any additional relatives, schools and any other related locations of the child being AWOL.
Conduct weekly physical searches of suspected whereabouts during the first thirty (30) days.
UPON RECOVERY OF THE RUNAWAY
Complete the Absconder Recovery Form and fax/e-mail a copy to the law enforcement agency that placed the child in the NCIC within one workday.
Notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by going to the website: http://www.missingkids.com/home or calling: 1-800-843-5678
Notify the court of the child’s return and to release the attachment/arrest order.
Notify the Regional Absconder Representative.
Notify the unit responsible for updating the placement screen in TFACTS.
Convene a CFTM immediately to determine how to best meet the child’s needs and to prevent absconding again. The CFTM must be used to determine placement.
Revised 09/2013
Revised 04/16 Revis