FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


1. When should a police report be filed?

· Immediately upon realization that the child is missing and unable to be accounted for

2. Who should make a police report?

· The child’s caregiver

· The worker is responsible for contacting the police to provide additional information and to obtain a LEADS number

If for any reason the worker discovers a police report has not been filed – the worker must file the missing person report

· The CPS worker, if, during a pending investigation, it is discovered that a child/youth for whom the department has legal responsibility becomes missing

3. What if the police decline to take a report?

· Explain the DCFS mandate to immediately report, as missing, any foster child who is away (for any reason) without permission of the caregiver

· Cite IL State Statute (325 ILCS 40) which requires police to take a missing person report for any child up to age 21 – without regard for a waiting period

· Call the Child Location and Support Unit for Missing Children and request assistance 1-866-503-0184

· Call the IL Clearinghouse for Missing Children and request assistance 1-217-785-4341
4. Is there anyone else who should be contacted when a child is missing?

· The Child Location and Support Unit for Missing Children
1-866-503-0184

· The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678 IF UNDER AGE 18

· The child’s legal parents, guardian or legal custodian (prior to DCFS guardianship)

· The Child’s GAL

· The court of jurisdiction (with a request for a Child Protection Warrant for all children under the age of 18)


5. Does the worker have to file an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) when a child is missing?

· The worker must file a UIR if the child is missing from foster care
· The facility must file a UIR if the child is missing from residential care

6. When should a CFS906 be completed?

· 24 hours after the child has been reported missing

7. Should the caregiver contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?

· The child’s worker is required to contact NCMEC

· Residential providers are not required to contact NCMEC



8. Does the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children accept reports for all DCFS children?

· NCMEC is mandated to accept reports of missing children under the age of 18 – the Center does not accept reports of anyone over 18


9. Why does the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children send a questionnaire asking for the same information they have just taken verbally?

The questionnaire contains consent for the release of information. Without a signed consent NCMEC is unable to post a picture of a missing child.


9. Does the Guardian or an authorized agent have to sign the
questionnaire to consent to release of information?

· No, the worker may sign the release; however, the worker must cross out the word “GUARDIAN” and write in “CASEWORKER.”

10. What is a Child Protection Warrant?

· A Child Protection Warrant is, simply put, a warrant issued by the court to law enforcement to pick up the child.

11. What is the difference between a Child Protection Warrant and a Juvenile Arrest Warrant?

· Juvenile Arrest Warrants are filed because of pending criminal charges. Child Protection Warrants are not based on criminal proceedings; it is not against the law to run away. Child Protection Warrants are essentially “pick-up” orders.



12. When should a Child Protection Warrant be filed?

· Within 2 working days from the time the child became missing.


13. What if a judge declines to file a Child Protection Warrant?

a. Not all jurisdictions will file CPW’s. Record the judge’s refusal to grant a CPW and insure that the child’s missing person report is entered into LEADS.

14. What is the function of the Child Location and Support Unit for
Missing Children?

· To monitor all Department and POS efforts to report and locate missing children
· To provide on-going support to all Department and POS staff in their efforts to locate missing children and to plan for the child’s subsequent placement
· To provide accurate and timely information to law enforcement authorities and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children


15. Where is the CLSU for Missing Children located?

· The 24/7 Unit is located in Chicago at 1911 S. Indiana.

16. Where can staff get copies of the CFS 1014?

· The 1014 is a 3 part – child specific - computer generated document that is sent to workers by the CLSU staff - there are no template copies.

· 1014’s are faxed to POS staff and e-mailed to DCFS staff.



CFS 1014

PART 1 (Initial)

Part 1 documents notification requirements

Workers will receive the Initial 1014 - 24 hours after the child has been reported missing to CLSU or 24 hours after the entry of a CFS 906. Part 1 must be completed and returned within 2 business days.


Part 1 includes fields for the following:

· The child’s height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks
· Dates: last seen, UIR submitted, CPW requested, 906 submitted, MPR filed, photo given to police. MPR number, LEADS number
· Dates: NCMEC contacted, photo sent. NCMEC case manager,
NCMEC Case ID
· If a fingerprint card is in file
· Date bio parents notified, method of notification, parent names, phone number, address
· Date GAL notified, method
· Date court notified, method
· Risk factors
· Recovery/Placement information: Who to contact, where to place



Part 2 (weekly)

Part 2 documents location efforts

· Workers will receive Part 2 (upon completion of Part 1) each Monday. Part 2 is to be completed and returned each Friday


Part 3 (recovery)

Part 3 documents recovery/location information.

· Workers will receive Part 3 when the child has been located. Part 3 should be completed and returned in 2 business days





pl1Why would a 1014 be rejected?

There may be several reasons for a 1014 to be rejected:

· The system requires that each field have either a numeric or an alpha entry. No field may be left blank, because each field is a procedural requirement

· There is no requirement for entry for NCMEC if a child is over 18

· There is no requirement for entry for a Child Protection Warrant if the child is over 18

· 9 out of 10 rejections are related to the National Center requirements not being completed


nd Exploited Children