DFPS categorizes a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship as missing if any of the following apply:

• The child or youth runs away.
• The child or youth is abducted by a known or unknown person.
• The child or youth is otherwise absent from care with no known location.

When a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship is missing, it is extremely important that the agency make every effort to quickly locate and ensure the safety of the child or youth.