Staff members barely had time to sound the alarm before a juvenile who reportedly has a long history of running away was found and returned to a local children’s home.
Deputies were dispatched after staff discovered a resident missing during the facility’s morning routine.
According to the report, employees initially believed two juveniles may have fled. However, after reviewing security camera footage, staff determined only one resident had left the property.
Law enforcement immediately began searching the area.
Deputies requested assistance locating the juvenile, with officers patrolling nearby roads and surrounding areas while staff members also joined the search.
The situation carried additional concern because staff reported the juvenile had repeatedly run away in the past.
According to the report, employees told deputies this was at least the tenth time the resident had fled the facility.
Staff also advised that the juvenile had expressed little concern about being injured while running away.
As deputies searched, the juvenile was entered into the national missing persons database as a precaution.
Fortunately, the search ended quickly.
While officers were actively looking for the runaway, staff members located the juvenile and notified deputies.
Law enforcement returned to the facility, confirmed the juvenile’s identity, and removed the missing person entry from the system.
No injuries were reported.
Why Repeated Runaways Are a Challenge
Children’s homes and residential treatment facilities frequently deal with residents who leave without permission. Each incident can create serious concerns because young people may be exposed to:
- Traffic hazards
- Extreme weather
- Criminal activity
- Exploitation by adults
- Substance abuse
- Medical emergencies
Even when a runaway is found quickly, every disappearance requires a significant response from facility staff and law enforcement to ensure the child’s safety.
In this case, what began as a missing juvenile investigation ended with the resident safely back at the facility—but according to staff, it was far from the first time.
