REQUIREMENTS

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) shall: 

1. Work in partnership with parents, caregivers or legal custodians to expeditiously locate and assess the safety of:  
   1. Any child missing from foster care; and 
   2. Any missing child in an active Child Protective Services (CPS) case. 
2. Have protocols for: 
   1. Expeditiously locating any child missing from foster care; 
   2. Determining the primary factors that contributed to the child’s running away or otherwise being absent from care, and to the extent possible and appropriate, responding to those factors in current and subsequent placements; 
   3. Determining the child’s experiences while absent from care, including screening the child to determine if the child is a possible sex trafficking victim; and 
   4. Reporting such related information as required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. 
3. Report immediately, and in no case later than 24 hours after receipt, information on missing or abducted children to the law enforcement authorities for entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). 
4. Report immediately, and in no case later than 24 hours after receiving information, to law enforcement on any child who has been identified as a victim of sex trafficking (see policy 1.13 Administration: Sex Trafficking Overview). 
5. Notify the DFCS Missing Children Team within 24 hours of determining that a child in foster care is missing. 
6. Notify the Revenue Maximization Specialist (RMS) within 24 hours of determining that a child in foster care is missing and within 24 hours of when the child is located. 
7. File a runaway report in juvenile court within two business days of determining that a child in foster care is missing. The motion shall include reasonable efforts made to locate the child.
8. Maintain an open foster care case on any missing child in the temporary or permanent custody of DFCS to continue efforts to locate the child and address the concerns that brought the child into foster care. 

9. Make face-to-face contact with a previously missing child within 24 hours of the child being located. 

   EXCEPTION: The child is located out-of-state. 

10. Develop a written youth runaway prevention plan for youth at risk of runaway behavior within seven calendar days of the following events: 
    1. Initial placement; 
    2. A change in placement; or 
    3. A youth returning from a runaway episode. 
11. Adhere to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other confidentiality laws and release information only as allowed by law when making efforts to locate a missing child (see policies 2.5 Information Management: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and 2.6 Information Management: Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information)

PROCEDURES

If a child is suspected to be missing, the Social Services Case Manager (SSCM) will: 

1. Contact the caregiver and other household members to determine when and where the child was last seen, the child’s state of mind at that time and to determine if any of the child’s possessions are missing. 
2. Obtain a signed Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) to facilitate sharing of information, when applicable (see policies 2.5 Information Management: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and 2.6 Information Management: Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information).  
3. In conjunction with the caregiver, coordinate and conduct a comprehensive search for the child that includes, but is not limited to the following: 
   1. Attempting to contact the child on his/her cell phone or social media. 
   2. Contacting the child’s friends, and persons with whom the child associates and to determine if they have knowledge of the child’ whereabouts. 
   3. Visiting the location(s) where the child was last seen and where the child frequents (e.g. school, park, and movie theatre). 
   4. Contacting the child’s parent(s) and family members to determine if they are aware of the child’s whereabouts (if the child is the temporary custody of DFCS). 
4. Document all actions taken on the Contact Detail page in Georgia SHINES.

If the child is determined to be missing, the SSCM will: 

1. Ask the caregiver if the caregiver has already filed a missing person report with law enforcement. 
2. Contact local law enforcement to confirm that a missing person report has been filed. 
   1. Obtain the missing person’s case report number from local law enforcement and contact information. Document this in Georgia SHINES. 
   2. Provide local law enforcement with contact information for the SSCM, including how to contact the appropriate DFCS staff afterhours. Document this sharing of information in Georgia SHINES.
3. Take the following actions if the missing person report has not been filed: 
   1. In CPS cases, 
      1. Request the caregiver to file the missing person report.
      2. Ask the caregiver to sign a release of information so DFCS can provide assistance as needed (see policies 2.5 Information Management: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and 2.6 Information Management: Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information). 
      3. Provide the caregiver the hotline number for the NCMEC, 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) so that the caregiver can make a report. 
   2. In Permanency cases, file the missing person report immediately but no later than 24 hours of determining that a child is missing (see Practice Guidance: Law Enforcement Reporting). 
      1. Obtain the missing person’s case report number, the officer’s name receiving the report; his/her badge number, contact number, and precinct. 
      2. Document the activity related to filing the missing person report on the Contact Detail in Georgia SHINES, including contact information for law enforcement. 
4. Notify the child’s parent(s) as soon as possible if the child is in foster care.  
   1. If parental rights have been terminated, parental notification is not required. In such instances, consult with the Social Services Supervisor and County Director to discuss the appropriateness of parental notification. 
   2. Solicit the parents’ assistance in locating the child, if appropriate. Remind the parents that a child in DFCS custody may not return to their home without consent from the juvenile court. 
5. Activate a Protective Services Alert in Georgia SHINES. 
6. Notify the DFCS Missing Children Team immediately, but no later than 24 hours after a child in DFCS custody is determined to be missing. 
   1. Complete the Placement Information page in Georgia SHINES using the placement type “Runaway” to indicate that the child is missing. 
   2. When the Social Services Supervisor approves the change to the Placement Information page, Georgia SHINES will automatically send a notification to the DFCS Missing Children Team via dfcs.mc@dhs.ga.gov. 
7. Send a Notification of Change (NOC) via Georgia SHINES to the RMS to notify them that the child is on runaway status or otherwise missing from the foster care placement. The RMS will terminate IV-E reimbursability for a IV-E eligible child. 
8. Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) within 24 hours of the child’s disappearance. The report can be made by calling the hotline number at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or on the website (http://cmfc.missingkids.org/ReportHere) by completing the online form designed for Child Welfare caseworkers. In CPS cases, request and assist the parent in making this contact. 
   1. There must be an active missing person police report, therefore it may be necessary to contact NCMEC more than once if the initial contact is made before there is an active missing person police report. 
   2. Advise NCMEC not to identify a child as being in foster care during any of its activities. 
   3. Provide the child’s name, DOB, SSN, placement address, and contact information for the SSCM.
   4. The media release, including the photo can only be authorized under the following circumstances: 
      1. If the child is in the legal custody of a parent or legal guardian, that person may authorize any media releases of information, photographs, etc. 
      2. If the child is in the temporary custody of DFCS, written parental authorization or an Order Authorizing Media Release from juvenile court is required for any media release of the photograph.
      3. If the child is in the permanent custody of DFCS, the DFCS Office of Communications may authorize the media release
9. Follow up with local law enforcement within 24 hours of filing the missing person report to confirm that the missing child has been added to the NCIC database of the FBI. 
   1. If the child’s information has not been added to the NCIC database, follow-up with law enforcement daily until confirmation is received. Escalate the issue up the law enforcement agency’s chain of command until the appropriate action is taken. 
   2. Document the name and title of the individual who provides confirmation. 
10. Notify the Juvenile court within two business days of the child’s disappearance by filing a runaway report. The motion shall include efforts made (to date) to locate the child. In CPS cases, the parent(s) must file the runaway report. In addition, notify the following: 
    1. Child’s attorney, Guardian Ad Litem and CASA worker, if applicable. 

    2. Any other Division/Department that also serves the child, including the child’s school officials, probation officers, attorneys, service providers, etc. 

       NOTE: In CPS cases, obtain a signed release of information to facilitate such communication. 

11. In conjunction with the caregiver(s), continue a comprehensive search to locate the child (see Practice Guidance). 
    1. Interview/re-interview the child’s parent(s) and other caregiver(s) to determine the child’s state of mind when last observed. 
    2. Revisit locations where the child was last seen. 
    3. Continue to make attempts to contact the child via cell phone, social media, etc. Utilize voicemail, text messaging and other messaging to communicate to the child the need to return or go to a safe place (e.g., police station, fire department, hospital, etc.). 
    4. Interview/re-interview other children at the child’s placement to determine if the child shared his/her plans or contact information for other friends. Inquire about the child’s use of cell phones or social media. 
    5. Contact law enforcement to determine if they have made any progress in locating the child. 
    6. Continue to follow-up with the child’s friends, parents, extended family members, and other adults with whom the child had a relationship for any updated information. Ensure they understand the legal obligation to notify DFCS should the child contact them (if the child is in foster care). 
    7. Contact the child’s probation officer (if applicable) for any updated information. 
12. Address the following monthly with the SSS and every 90 days (at a minimum) with the County Director/Designee if the child remains missing: 
    1. Efforts made to locate the child; 
    2. Additional strategies that may be employed to locate the child; 
    3. The child’s history of running away (if applicable) and whether the child seems to be running to a specific place or person;
    4. Whether it is known if the child is at risk or a victim of commercial sexual exploitation;  
    5. Case Plan Outcomes; 
    6. The plan for providing ongoing support/services to the youth when he/she is located (e.g., changes in case plan, changes in Permanency Plan, services to address issues associated with sex trafficking, etc.); 
    7. Confirmation that the SSCM has updated documentation of efforts to locate the child.
13. Encourage the child to return every time there is any contact made with the missing child.
14. Document all efforts to locate a child, including staffings, in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of occurrence.

When the child is located, the SSCM will: 

1. Make face-to-face contact with the child within 24 hours.  
   1. If the child is in another county or state, request a courtesy contact be made by a state child welfare agency in the county or state where the child is located. 
   2. Obtain a photo of the child to document the child’s appearance at the time of return and upload it into External Documentation in Georgia SHINES. 
   3. Secure any necessary clothing and other personal items for the child. 
2. Notify the parent and the placement resource that the child in foster care has been located immediately, but no later than 24 hours. 
3. Deactivate the Protective Services Alert in Georgia SHINES immediately but no later than the following business day. 
4. Notify the DFCS Missing Children Team immediately, but no later than 24 hours after a child is located.  
   1. Update the Placement Information page in Georgia SHINES by end dating the Runaway placement event. 
   2. When the Social Services Supervisor approves the change to the Placement Information page, Georgia SHINES will automatically send a notification to the DFCS Missing Children Team. 
5. Notify law enforcement, the court, GAL, CASA, and any other entities actively assisting DFCS with the search for the previously missing child no later than the following business day after a missing child has been located. In a CPS case, partner with the caregiver to notify law enforcement and the court of the child being located. 

6. Submit a new IV-E application in Georgia SHINES if a child returns to foster care from runaway/missing episode. 

   NOTE: New determinations of all eligibility factors, including judicial determinations of “contrary to the welfare” and “reasonable efforts”, are required if the child returns to foster care after six months as this is considered a new placement episode for IV-E. 

7. Call the NCMEC Hotline Number, 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) immediately to notify them that the missing child has been located, if they did not locate the child. In CPS cases, this will be done by the birth parent/legal guardian. 
8. Make every effort to place children previously missing from foster care in the same placement they were in prior to becoming missing, when appropriate. 
9. Interview the child within 24 hours of the child’s return to determine factors that contributed to the child being missing, the child’s experiences while absent from care, and to assess whether the child is at risk or is a victim of sex trafficking1 (see Practice Guidance for sample interview questions). If the results of the assessment suggest a child is a victim of sex trafficking: 
   1. Follow the procedures outlined in the Human Trafficking Case Management Statewide Protocol (see Forms and Tools).  
   2. Obtain services specifically to address the issues for the child determined to be at risk or a victim of sex trafficking (see policy 19.17 Case Management: Service Provision).

10. Arrange for or request the parent/caregiver obtain a medical examination with the child’s primary physician and/or other appropriate medical professional within 48 hours of the child’s return. In CPS cases, the parent must obtain the medical examination. 

    NOTE: The decision to take this action should be based on information revealed during the interview with the child, and/or based on the length of time the child has been missing. 

11. Refer the child and family for appropriate services to address identified issues related to the runaway episode or other identified at-risk behaviors (see policy 19.17 Case Management: Service Provision). 
12. Develop a written youth runaway prevention plan with the child, their caregivers and others working with the child to address situations that might lead to a recurrence of the runaway behavior (see Practice Guidance: Runaway Prevention Plan). Ensure a copy of the plan is provided to the child and a copy is uploaded to External Documentation in Georgia SHINES. 
13. Visit the child more frequently (weekly or more often as needed) to work with the child and caregiver(s) to stabilize their relationship and to address the factors that led to the runaway episode and prevent further disruption. Make efforts to coordinate visits with service providers or CPA/CCI staff, if applicable. 
14. Update the case plan when there are newly identified or modified services, treatment and/or needs based on the runaway episode (see policies 8.3 Family Preservation Services: Case Planning and 13.3 Independent Living Program: Written Transitional Living Plan). 
15. Document all case management activities and updates in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of occurrence.

The Social Services Supervisor will: 

1. Provide oversight of case management activities needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children who are at risk of running away, those that are missing and the DFCS staff searching for them. 
   1. Ensure a runaway plan is developed for children at risk of running away and for those who have returned from runaway episode to prevent the reoccurrence. 
   2. Explore ongoing efforts to locate the child, discuss case plan progress and provide direction and assistance as needed. 
   3. Initiate staffings with the County Director or Designee at a minimum of every 90 days (if the child remains on runaway status) to discuss ongoing efforts to locate the child.
   4. Regularly review the missing child’s case record in Georgia SHINES to ensure all appropriate pages have been updated and all appropriate notifications, search activities, etc. have been documented.
2. Provide timely approval of the Placement page in Georgia SHINES to facilitate the notification to the DFCS Missing Children Team within 24 hours of the child being missing. 
3. Maintain regular communication with the SSCM to assess and discuss case activity related to locating the missing child, and ensuring that appropriate assessments and services are provided upon the child being located (see policy 19.6 Case Management: Supervisor Staffing).

PRACTICE GUIDANCE

Missing Children/Youth 

The term “runaway” is used by DFCS to refer to youth (under 18 years of age) whose whereabouts are unknown to their caregiver and there is a reasonable suspicion that the child/youth has absconded from his/her place of residence, and preliminary efforts to locate the child/youth have yielded no results. However, it is important to remember that just because a child is missing does not mean the child ran away. Children may go missing for a number of reasons and it is important to determine why they are missing to improve efforts to locate them and prevent future episodes. There may also be occasions when the whereabouts of a youth 18 years of age and older, who is receiving foster care services, may be unknown. Since such youth are legally adults, they can choose to exit foster care independently without being considered a “runaway”. Nevertheless, just like young children, youth 18 years of age and older could be missing due to some other reason (e.g. abduction, human trafficking) so it is important to take the appropriate measures to ensure their safety. In all instances, diligent efforts must be made by the caregiver and DFCS to locate missing children/youth. Missing children/youth are at great risk of victimization and exploitation. They usually do not perceive the inherent risks or see themselves as potential victims. Because of the potential dangers to the child, the SSCM is to consider a runaway/missing child episode a major event that requires intensive intervention and safety planning. 

When children in foster care are missing, DFCS maintains responsibility to conduct a comprehensive search to locate the children and ensure their safety and well-being. Missing children are extremely vulnerable and could be in a dangerous situation. Moreover, the issues that brought the children into care need to be adequately addressed with the parent/caregiver before DFCS intervention is concluded, regardless of the location of the child. DFCS does not seek to be relieved of custody based on the child being missing. In fact, DFCS has formed a Missing Children Team to manage the tracking of missing children in foster care. The DFCS Missing Children Team is comprised of representatives from several sections within the State Office, field operations, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Since the team is notified that a child is missing or located via Georgia SHINES, it is extremely important that the Placement Information Page be completed timely whenever a child is determined to be missing or has returned from being missing. Doing so will ensure accurate accountability for children.

Children at Higher Risk for Runaway Behavior 

Any child can make the decision to run away. Nonetheless, some children seem more inclined to runaway than others. Below are some factors that might indicate that a child is at a higher risk for runaway behavior. 

1. Children age 14 years and older; 
2. Children with a history or running away; 
3. Children who have previously threatened to run away; 
4. Children who have experienced multiple placement disruptions; or 
5. Children who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking

Runaway Prevention Plan 

A runaway prevention plan is a method of addressing circumstances and situations that might lead to a runaway episode or a recurrence of runaway behavior. The plan is a written document which helps to promote clarity and accountability. To be more effective, the youth runaway prevention plan should be developed collaboratively with children, their caregivers and others working with the children. After all, if children are not committed to the plan, the plan will not work. The plan needs to be realistic, positive, and based on a child’s strengths which will increase the chances of success. Since people and circumstances change, the plan should be updated to ensure it remains applicable to current circumstances. 

When developing the plan, help children identify their strengths in language easy to understand (e.g. good at being on time, friendly, respectful, athletic, etc.). Ask children what has prevented them from running away in the past (e.g. talking to their case manager, listening to music, talking to a friend, taking a walk, sports, etc.). Try to help children identify triggers, feelings or behaviors that occur when they have thoughts of running away (e.g. feeling overwhelmed, trapped, not knowing what to do, etc.). Ask children how their case manager and caregivers can best support them in remaining in their placement. List any other supports that may be needed (e.g. counseling, mentoring, etc.). Include contact information for DFCS and other significant persons in the youth’s support network. These will be individuals the youth may contact at any time they find themselves in an unsafe situation or simply wish to return from runaway status. Ask children their caregivers, and all involved parties to sign the plan and give everyone a copy. This makes the plan feel like a real commitment between all the parties involved. Below are some tips for plan development: 

1. If a child runs away to see friends, work with caregivers to increase activities the child has with friends. 
2. If a child runs away to see biological family, increase family visits (if possible) and make efforts to secure placement with a relative with whom the child is willing to remain. If the agency can limit trauma to the child/young adult and increase connections with supportive people, the child/young adult will be more likely to make progress toward a stable adulthood.  
3. If a child runs away to reunite with parents or caregivers from whom he/she was removed determine if the factors that prevented reunification in the past still relevant. If not follow the Department requirements for pursuing the possibility of reunification. 
4. If a child runs away to use drugs, refer the child for a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment. 
5. If a child runs away because of problems with school, increase educational supports.  
6. If a child runs away because of conflicts with the foster caregivers, work with the child and the caregivers to resolve the conflicts. If it is not possible to resolve the conflicts between the child and caregivers, then seek a more suitable placement for the child.

Present Danger Indicators for Runaway Youth 

These are conditions or behaviors that, in conjunction with the child/youth’s absence from an environment known to be safe, severely compromise the child’s safety. This includes one or more of the following: 

1. The child has been or is believed to have been abducted; 
2. The child is age 13 or younger; 
3. The child has one or more health/mental health conditions that will place the child at serious harm without required treatment; 
4. The child is pregnant and/ or parenting, and the infant/child is believed to be with him/her; 
5. The child has a physical or developmental disability/delay that impairs the child's ability for self-care; 
6. The child has a substance abuse problem; 
7. The child was previously the victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation; 
8. The child is in a potentially life-threatening situation; 
9. The child is believed to be with persons who could endanger his/her welfare.

Law Enforcement Reporting 

Some law enforcement jurisdictions may not be inclined to accept a missing person report for a specified number of hours or may not timely enter the report into the NCIC database. However, Federal law requires that law enforcement take a report on a missing child and that there be no wait time to take the report. Furthermore, Federal law requires a report of a missing child to be entered within two hours of receipt into the State law enforcement system and the National Crime Information Center computer networks and made available to the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse within the State or other agency designated within the State to receive such reports. Therefore, if told there is a wait time, DFCS staff should reference 34 U.S.C. § 41308 (State requirements for reporting missing children). Seek assistance from the Social Services Supervisor and Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) if there is concern that a law enforcement agency is inappropriately handling reports of a missing child. 

When notifying law enforcement of a missing child, the following information shall be provided: 

1. The child’s full name, aliases and nicknames, age, date of birth, social security number, and driver’s license number (if applicable); 
2. A description of the child [i.e., height; weight; hair color; eye color; skin color; braces; clothes worn; book bag; hat; shoes; contact lenses; eyeglasses; dentures; gold or silver teeth; any impairments (physical, hearing, vision, speech); moles; scars; body piercings; or tattoos]; 
3. Physical or psychological conditions, developmental delays, or any condition that may affect the ability of the child to respond to environmental dangers; 
4. Other factors of endangerment, such as young age, hazardous location, medical needs, disability, etc.; 
5. Medications or history of suspected substance abuse; 
6. Recent photograph of the child; 
7. A copy of the most recent court order granting legal custody of the child and other relevant facts about child’s custody status; 
8. Type of missing episode (e.g. runaway, family abduction, non-family abduction, etc.); 
9. Where, when, and with whom the child was last seen;
10. Possible method of travel (e.g., car, bicycle, public transportation, or on foot);  
11. Names and addresses of foster parents (if applicable), birthparents, relatives, former foster parents (if applicable), and friends; Locations and activities the child is known to frequent; 
12. Any suspected destinations; and any prior disappearances and outcomes.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 

The NCMEC is much more than a hotline. It was established in 1984 and is the leading nonprofit organization in the U.S. working with law enforcement, families and the professionals who serve them on issues related to missing and sexually exploited children. When contacted, the NCMEC will send media forms requesting a release of information and a photo of the child. Its Critical and Runaway Unit provides technical assistance to law enforcement and support to those with a claim to custody of children who are missing under critical circumstances or who have run away from their legal guardian. Upon assignment of a case, the case management team makes initial contact with listed parents or guardians and law enforcement to verify circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance. Each team provides the relevant technical assistance and uses the full array of NCMEC resources, including NCMEC missing child posters, requests for analytical reports from NCMEC’s Case Analysis Division, referrals to NCMEC’s in-house federal liaisons (including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service) and referrals to other NCMEC divisions (Exploited Children Division for possible sexual exploitation, Family Advocacy Division for family support, reunifications and post-recovery support). Once a case is ready, the case management team develops and implements a strategy for poster distribution. Incoming leads are closely monitored and promptly forwarded to law enforcement. The case management teams keep in regular contact with parents or guardians, as well as law enforcement, and continue to assess appropriate resources to help resolve each case.

Interview with the Caregiver When a Child is Missing 

If a child is missing, the SSCM should explore the following issues with the caregiver: 

1. Has the child ever run away before, for how long, and where did the child go? 
2. Did the child express a desire to run away, go to a specific place, or see a specific person? 
3. Did the caregiver observe any cues that the child was planning to run away? 
4. Whom is the child permitted to visit? Where (neighborhood, home, school)? Are the parents of the child’s friends known by the placement provider? 
5. What are the rules of the residence concerning allowable areas for the child to be without first securing caregiver permission? 
6. Has the child started any new friendships, or “hanging out” with new people? 
7. Have there been any changes in the child’s behavior? What are the changes?
8. Are there issues being experienced by the caregiver that may have contributed to the child running away? 
9. Who are the child’s friends? Is their contact information known to the caregiver? 
10. What steps can be taken to avoid future occurrences of running away?

Interview with a Child or Youth Returning from Running Away 

The interview should be conducted in a manner which demonstrates empathy and concern, while also communicating to the child/youth that their safety is the primary concern. The SSCM shall explore the following:

1. Why did the child run away? (Explore what they expected to accomplish by running away) 
2. What led up to the decision to run away? 
3. Who was with the child when he/she ran away? 
4. Was he/she encouraged to run away? If so, by whom? 
5. Where did he/she go? (List all the places) 
6. What were all the places he/she visited while away? 
7. Who were some of the people he/she visited or stayed with while away and what is his/her relationship with them? 
8. How did he/she survive while away (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, money)? 
9. Did he/she engage in any risky behaviors (e.g., sexual activity, substance abuse)? 
10. Was he/she the victim of a crime while away? If so, is a referral to law enforcement needed? 
11. What was the best thing about being away? 
12. What was the worst thing about being away?
13. What did he/she miss the most while away? 
14. What would have stopped him/her from running away? 
15. What services/supports did he/she need while being away? 
16. What were some of the reasons he/she returned? 
17. Has he/she thought about leaving again since being back?
18. What can be done to prevent him/her from running away again?
19. What advice would he/she give another youth who was thinking of running away?

Indicators / Risk Factors of Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (sex trafficking) 

1. Physical Indicators Associated with Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: 
   1. Child has run away from home and/or caregiver three or more times within the last 12 months;  
   2. Child dresses inappropriately, including oversized clothing or overtly sexy clothing; 
   3. Child has poor personal hygiene; 
   4. Child has unexplained bruises or injuries; 
   5. Cigarette burns; 
   6. Child is in possession of large amounts of money; 
   7. Child is in possession of more than one cell phone; 
   8. hild is in possession of hotel keys; 
   9. Presence of "gifts" the origin of which is unknown; 
   10. Rumors among students regarding sexual activity, which victim may not necessarily deny; 
   11. Child is diagnosed with sexually transmitted disease(s);  
   12. Child has an older “boyfriend/girlfriend” five years or older than the child; or has a friend or relative (who may or may not seem controlling);  
   13. Child is in the juvenile court system, probably on repeated status offenses particularly running away or truancy, shoplifting, or criminal trespass, giving false name or age to police; 
   14. Child has a new pattern of failing grades and/or school suspensions;
   15. Child is not enrolled in school;  
   16. Child has fake identification and/or fake city permit to be an escort or to dance in a strip club under another name or incorrect age; 
   17. Child is using substances;
   18. Child has “gang” clothing or other gang symbols; 
   19. Child has a tattoo of someone's name or nickname, particularly on the back of the neck, or new tattoos in general; 
   20. Child has a history of recruiting others into prostitution; 
   21. Child is arrested in or around an area known for prostitution (e.g. adult entertainment venue, strip club, massage parlor, X-rated video shop or hotel).
2. Behavioral Indicators Associated with Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: 
   1. Over-sexualized demeanor/behavior; 
   2. Angry, aggressive, clinically depressed, suicidal and/or tearful; 
   3. Fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous; 
   4. Withdrawn, uncommunicative, and/or isolated from family;  
   5. Little to no eye contact; 
   6. Truancy and/or chronic absenteeism; 
   7. Sleeping in class;  
   8. Not eating. 
3. Family Indicators Associated with Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: 
   1. Runaway child; 
   2. Lack of adult supervision/support; 
   3. Sexual or physical abuse at home, by family member or friend; 
   4. History with DFCS; 
   5. Parental substance abuse; 
   6. Parental history of prostitution arrests; 
   7. Domestic violence; 
   8. Living, hanging out in geographic areas known to be a gathering place for prostitution.

Tips for Searching for a Missing Child 

There are many ways to search for a missing child/young adult, including but not limited to physically looking, using the internet, using the phone, and accessing others to assist with efforts to locate. 

1. Physically look for the child. 
   1. Search the last place he or she was seen and the immediate surrounding area. 
   2. Go to the homes of his or her friends and family, including extended family. 
   3. Check regular hang outs and any place frequented by him or her and leave messages at these places. 
   4. Go to emergency shelters and homeless youth programs.  
   5. Check food pantries.  
   6. Check with juvenile detention if it is a child who is missing and jails if it is a young adult. 
   7. Check with hospitals. 

   8. If he or she is a victim of sex trafficking or at risk of being a victim of sex Trafficking, check clubs. 

      NOTE: Always keep worker safety in mind during any search. Supervisors should always be informed of where staff is going. Staff should not go alone to unfamiliar or potentially dangerous places. Ask for law enforcement assistance as needed. 

2. Use the internet (subject to DHS/DFCS policies on use of the internet and social media). 
   1. Check Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Facebook can be contacted for an IP address to assist in locating the child/young adult.
   2. Reach out to family and friends who have positive relationships with the missing child/young adult to allow viewing of the content and consider asking these individuals to post messages. 

   3. If the missing child/young adult is a victim of sex trafficking or at risk of being a victim of sex trafficking, check known escort sites, such as www.bedpage.com and www.onebackpage.com, and check ads. 

      NOTE: Obtain supervisor approval before taking any action that might violate the agency’s policies on the use of the internet and social media.  

   4. Google the child/young adult’s phone number in case the number is in an ad.  
   5. If there is an urgent reason to, Facebook can be contacted for an IP address to assist in locating the child/young adult.
3. Use the telephone. 
   1. Call the child/young adult’s phone number or have someone he or she trusts call from their phone. 
   2. Use the phone’s GPS system to try and determine a location. 
4. Access others for assistance. 
   1. Reach out and maintain contact with those who know the child well. 
   2. Always consider confidentiality when determining who to contact and what information to share. 
   3. Maintain regular contact with law enforcement agencies and the NCMEC case manager to provide any new information regarding the child/young adult’s possible whereabouts and to receive updates on their efforts to locate him or her.

Important Tips for Children in Foster Care with Runaway Behaviors 

1. Take the child’s picture and upload it into External Documentation in Georgia SHINES. Update at least every six months. 
2. Request parent/guardian’s signature on consent forms for DFCS to release the child’s picture to the NCMEC should the child become missing or obtain a court order granting such consent. This is especially important if the child has a history of running away. 
3. Provide the child with the contact information for the National Runaway Switchboard (1-800-RUNAWAY) and explain the purpose. 
4. Assist the child in making a contingency plan for situations that might lead to the child running away from care.

Helpful Websites for Serving the At-Risk Youth Population 

1. Family and Youth Service Bureau (FYSB) for Runaway or Homeless Youth (RHY) Program https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/runaway-homeless-youth displays a map of the United States and Territories allowing the user to select a state to view a list of all the FYSB funded RHY programs in the state or territory. 
2. Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) http://www.rhyttac.net/ RHYTTAC serves a centralized national resource for FYSB funded Runaway and Homeless Youth grantees. Training and technical assistance services are directed at assisting RHY grantees to engage in continuous quality improvement of their services and to build their capacity to effectively serve runaway and homeless youth.
3. National Runaway Switchboard www.1800runaway.org or 1-800-Runaway (1-800-786- 2929). This resource has a 24-hour crisis line and an experienced front-line team that can provide assistance.

Resources
National Runaway Switchboard (Crisis Hotline for Youth)
1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
www.nrscrisisline.org/
 

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1-703-274-3900
Hotline: 1-800-843-5678
www.missingkids.com
 

Amber Alert
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
404-244-2600
 

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia
1-866-363-4842 (To report suspected or disclosed child sex trafficking)
https://www.cacga.org

FORMS AND TOOLS

Human Trafficking Case Management Statewide Protocol
Youth Runaway Prevention Plan