Responding to Youth Missing From Foster Care - New Mexico

Protocols for Reporting Children Missing From Care to Law Enforcement

Citation: Admin. Code § 8.10.8.24

The Protective Services Division (PSD) shall report immediately, but no later than 24 hours, after receiving information on missing or abducted children or youth to law enforcement authorities for entry into National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

PSD shall report immediately, but no later than 24 hours, after receiving information on missing or abducted children or youth to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Protocols for Locating Children Missing From Care

Citation: Admin. Code § 8.10.8.24

PSD shall make reasonable efforts to locate children or youth missing from foster care.

Determining the Factors That Led to a Child's Absence From Care

Citation: Admin. Code § 8.10.8.24

PSD shall make reasonable efforts to determine the factors that led to the child or youth being absent from foster care.

Determining the Suitability of Current and Subsequent Placements

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.

Assessing the Child's Experiences While Absent From Care

Citation: Admin. Code § 8.10.8.24

PSD shall make reasonable efforts to assess the child or youth's experience while absent from foster care, including whether the child or youth is a victim of sex or human trafficking. PSD shall immediately, but not later than 24 hours, notify law enforcement of children or youth who PSD has identified as victims of sex or human trafficking. PSD also shall identify, document, and determine appropriate services for children or youth who have disclosed or who may be at risk of being the victim of human trafficking.

Timeframes for Closing a Child's Placement After Running Away

This issue is not addressed in the statutes and regulations reviewed.