America’s Missing Foster Children
| Model Bill Info | |
|---|---|
| Bill Title | America’s Missing Foster Children |
| Date Introduced | December 2, 2021 |
| Date Finalized | December 16, 2021 |
| Type | Model Policy |
| Status | Final |
| Task Forces | Health and Human Services |
America’s Missing Foster Children
Section 1. A Photograph is Critical: Waive Fees for State ID Cards
A. Fees for state non-operating identification cards do not apply to children in the custody of the department of child protection. B. If an applicant for a non-operating identification license is at least sixteen years of age and is in the department of child protection’s custody, the applicant does not need a signature from the applicant’s parent, guardian, foster parent or employer.
Provide ID Cards for Children in Group Homes
A.A group home shall obtain a non-operating identification license for a child adjudicated dependent within thirty days from the date the child is placed in the home. B. If the child does not qualify for a non-operating identification license, the group home shall take a photograph of the child within thirty days from the date the child is placed in the home and keep the photograph for as long as the child resides in the home.
Section 2. Report & Search Immediately: Department Requirements
If the department receives information that indicates a child’s location is unknown, the department shall within two hours notify:
1. The appropriate law enforcement agency and provide the information required to make the record entry into the state and national crime information center missing person databases. This includes information about the child and the child’s photograph and information about the child’s parent, guardian, custodian or person of interest. 2. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Law Enforcement Requirements
The appropriate law enforcement agency shall:
(1) within two hours submit the following information provided by the department of child protection into the state and national crime information center missing person databases:
(a) The name, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight and eye and hair color of the child. (b) A recent photograph of the child, if available. (c) The date and location of the last known contact with the child. (d) The category under which the child is reported missing.
(2) confirm the child has been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (3) not later than thirty days after the original entry of the record, verify and update the record with any additional information, including, where available, medical and dental records and a photograph taken during the previous one hundred eighty days. (4) institute or assist with appropriate search and investigative procedures. (5) maintain a close liaison with state and local child welfare systems and the national center for missing and exploited children for the exchange of information and technical assistance in the missing child case. An entry may not be removed from any database or system until the child is found or the case is closed.
Section 3. Keep the Cases Open
The department shall not close a child’s file or petition to dismiss a missing child’s court case before the child reaches the age of 18.
