We’ve got an update in a story SCDN broke earlier in the week – A 14-year-old girl disappeared from a Portsmouth group home in December—but no one bothered to tell police. Now, more than three months later, the shocking oversight is raising red flags about accountability, taxpayer costs, and the safety of vulnerable kids in state care.
Jaylynn Harrell was placed in the facility by Children’s Protective Services (CPS) in August 2023. She ran away on December 28, but inexplicably, no missing persons report was ever filed. CPS only contacted police this month—to retroactively document the disappearance.
Yes, you read that right: a 14-year-old girl vanished, and no one officially reported her missing for over 90 days.
Portsmouth Police have now issued an alert asking the public for help in finding Jaylynn, describing her as 5’2”, 120 lbs, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen near Williams Street, wearing black leggings, a black long-sleeved shirt, white shoes, and a white/yellow flannel-type top.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Crapyou at (740) 353-4101 or (740) 354-1600.
🚨 This Isn’t Her First Disappearance
Jaylynn has gone missing before. Police posted alerts for her in June and October of 2023. Runaways from foster and group homes aren’t unusual—but the protocol is crystal clear: notify law enforcement immediately. This time, someone dropped the ball. Big time.
💸 The Price of Neglect
Each day a child is presumed to be in a facility, Scioto County taxpayers are billed up to $500—thanks to skyrocketing daily rates for group home care. In 2023, the county spent a whopping $7.7 million on foster placements. Though 2024 saw a slight dip to $6.5 million, the monthly costs still average over $550,000—and sometimes spike beyond $750,000.
