1. (a) Pursuant to the definitions in He-C 6350.02(a) and (bg), all absconders are deemed runaways.
2. (b) Programs shall be reimbursed by the department, pursuant to He-C 6350.04, at their authorized rate through the day the child runs away, absconds, or is missing and shall resume on the date the child returns to the residential treatment program, if applicable.
3. (c) If a child runs away, absconds, or is missing, the program shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, the parent(s), DCYF, if the child is placed through DCYF, and the CME if the child is in a voluntary episode of treatment. When reporting to law enforcement, the program’s report shall include information if the child is court ordered in placement at the residential treatment program.
4. (d) If the court order for placement at the residential treatment program is still in effect during the time that the child is absent as a runaway, absconds, or is missing it shall be at the program’s discretion whether to remain involved with the child’s case, if approved by DCYF.

5. (e) Upon a child’s return from running away, the program shall:

   1. (1) Immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, DCYF, or CME and the child’s parent(s) or guardian unless instructed otherwise by law enforcement;
   2. (2) Ensure the child’s immediate medical and mental health needs are assessed and addressed; and
   3. (3) Observe the child for indications that the child might have been a victim of human trafficking. If the child is placed through DCYF, the program shall notify DCYF of all information gathered as soon as practicable, and shall cooperate with DCYF to meet the child’s needs related to the runaway event.
6. (f) Subject to (g) below, if a child returns to the program within 10 business days of running away, the program shall not be required to make updates to the psycho-social assessment and treatment plan and the discharge summary described in He-C 6350.12 and He-C 6350.13 unless (g) below is applicable.
7. (g) If a child exhibits significant changes, clinical regression, or extreme behaviors such as, but not limited to, assaultive, destructive, self-injurious, or self-destructive behaviors upon return to the program, updates or revisions shall be made to the psycho-social assessment and treatment plan in accordance with He-C 6350.13.

Source. #6617, eff 10-25-97; ss by #8453, INTERIM, eff 10-25-05, EXPIRED: 4-23-06 New. #8693, eff 7-27-06; ss by #10759, eff 1-17-15 (formerly He-C 6350.34); ss by #14178, INTERIM, eff 1-18-25; ss by #14490, eff 1-22-26, EXPIRES: 1-22-36 (formerly He-C 6350.32)