Another call involving missing kids highlights a problem deputies and child welfare workers in the area are dealing with again and again — children running away from foster care and group home situations.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called after a foster parent reported that two children were missing from the home. The foster parent said she wasn’t sure exactly when the kids left, only that they were no longer there when the household woke up.
The foster parent told deputies the kids were seen on home security cameras during the early morning hours. When she noticed they hadn’t come downstairs later that morning, she checked their bedrooms, searched the house and property, and then called 911.
Deputies were given descriptions of the children and information about a possible place they might try to go. Deputies followed up on that lead and located both kids hiding in thick brush behind a nearby residence.
The kids told deputies they had left early that morning because they didn’t want to stay at the foster home anymore. No one was hurt, and there were no further issues during the call.
Both children were safely returned to the foster home.
A Growing Issue in the Area
While this situation ended safely, it’s part of a larger pattern seen throughout the area. Deputies are regularly called to search for kids who leave foster homes or group placements, often during overnight or early-morning hours.
These situations can quickly become dangerous, especially when children are outside for long periods or hiding in unfamiliar areas. They also point to bigger questions about the challenges kids face in foster care and whether enough support is in place to help them feel safe and stable.
💬 What do you think would help keep kids from running away from foster care and group homes — more support, better communication, counseling, or something else?