Amber Alert

The Amber Alert Network was developed as a statewide emergency response system for abducted children. The network is designed to be activated in instances involving true child abductions.

If the caseworker believes that a child has unwillingly left the substitute care placement or has been removed by an unauthorized person, the caseworker requests that the child be placed on the Amber Alert System when making the report to local law enforcement. The local law enforcement officials will work with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to decide if Amber Alert criteria are met and will activate the Amber Alert Network, if appropriate.

Child Safety Check Alert List

When a child in DFPS conservatorship runs away or otherwise goes missing, the caseworker must request that local law enforcement file a missing person report with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If the appropriate law enforcement officials decline to file a missing person report on the missing child, the caseworker must, immediately following the event, notify the supervisor and the special investigator program director (SIPD). If immediate notification is not possible, the notifications must be made within eight hours.

The SIPD must request that DPS place the child and the family on the Child Safety Check Alert List (CSCAL).

For CSCAL procedures, see 3100 When a Child Who is With His or Her Family Cannot be Located.

Special Investigator Assignment

The special investigator (SI) is assigned as secondary to the SUB stage after notification from the SIPD.

No later than the next business day after being assigned to the case, the SI must follow up with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at the 24-hour call center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).