DFPS takes every missing child or youth seriously. If a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship runs away or goes missing and his or her location is unknown, the caseworker or assigned on-call staff must notify all the following:
- The appropriate law enforcement agency.
- The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
- DFPS Special Investigations.
- The child or youth’s probation or parole officer if involved with juvenile probation or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
The caseworker and assigned special investigator must make ongoing efforts to locate and ensure the safety of the child or youth. When the child or youth returns, the caseworker and assigned special investigator interview them.
