https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Master_DCFS_Policy.pdf
I’m not sure if this answers your question exactly, but it may help. Living in AR, I know there’s a decent amount of kids (teens) missing who happen to be in DHS/DCFS custody or state supervision, foster care, group homes, etc. It’s a sad situation for sure.
(Page 169-170)
•Occasionally there are instances when a child or youth involved in an open protective services case may runaway or otherwise go missing. In all instances of missing children who are part of an open protective services case,
the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will collaborate with the child’s family, law enforcement, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in an effort to locate the child.
•If the family and/or Division has
reason to believe the child independently left his/her home of his/her own accord (i.e., run away), then upon notification, the family’s FSW caseworker and FSW caseworker’s supervisor will ensure the Area Director is also notified of the child’s disappearance.
The FSW caseworker will then follow the steps outlined below.
>>After receiving notification of the child’s disappearance from the child’s family or by other means, the FSW caseworker will:
A. Notify the child’s attorney ad litem (if applicable) within two (2) hours.
B. Determine within two (2) hours whether the child’s parents/caretakers have filed a missing person report with the local police department or sheriff’s office.
C. Once a police report has been filed, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) no later than 24 hours after receiving information on missing or abducted children or youth to provide the following information to NCMEC per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DCFS and NCMEC:
D. Upon NCMEC’s request, release to NCMEC any additional requested information and/or records in its possession that are relevant to locating the missing child.
E. Keep NCMEC informed with up-to-date information regarding the missing child.
F. Update CHRIS contacts regarding the missing child and efforts to locate the missing child.
G. If the child:
1) Is
not found and there are other children in the home:
•Continue to provide services to the family and other children as appropriate; and,
•Continue to call previously contacted parties and inquire for information and furnish further information that becomes available through case closure.
•If appropriate, extend the search to other counties and states.
2) Is
not found within 60 calendar days and is the only child in the home:
•Update the FAST to determine if additional services (e.g., counseling may be appropriate for the parents/caretakers);
•Close the case if the family does not need further services.