Child Abduction and Recovery
1200-501.20 | Revision Date: 9/2/2020

Overview

This policy guide provides information on how to respond to children who have been abducted. It also provides instruction on how to assist in and respond to their recovery.

For additional resources regarding Child Abductions, visit the Child Abduction website which provides workers with a step by step guide, contacts, and resources following a child abduction AND/OR take the Child Abduction: Policies and Protocols e-learning Course.

Table of Contents

Version Summary

This policy guide was updated from the 08/09/2019 version in order to reflect changes to the filing of the DCFS 729 form and to align the language reflected in the Runways & Returning Runaway Youth policy regarding the procedural steps to take when Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) refuse to take a Missing Persons Report.

POLICY

Abduction and Recovery of a Child

An abduction is any act of concealment of a child age seventeen (17) and under (herein referred to as "child") or a nonminor dependent age 18 or older (herein referred to as "nonminor dependent") from the juvenile court or the DCFS CSW, especially for the purpose of preventing the child's detention, by a parent, legal guardian, relative, or non-related individual. This includes a child who is under a home of parent order. A child who is either under a home of parent order or who is suitably placed with a caregiver will also be considered abducted when both:

  • A parent moves out and fails to notify DCFS, and
  • DCFS cannot locate the parent/caregiver and the child.

Any possible child abduction case should be referred to the Child Abduction Unit for assessment if the case meets the above standards of a child abduction.

A CSW must notify the Juvenile Court when a court-supervised child is abducted by a parent, legal guardian, relative, or non-related individual. The CSW will immediately notify the DCFS Child Abduction Liaison to ensure that all required paperwork is completed and all procedures are followed. The CSW will also initiate the process of locating and returning the abducted Juvenile Court-supervised child.

If a child is not yet before the Juvenile Court and does not have a pending petition, the CSW should immediately consult with their in-house out stationed County Counsel as to how to proceed (since the child does not meet criteria for abduction per established law and policy). However, any possible child abduction case should be referred to the child abduction unit for assessment if the case meets the above standards of a child abduction.

If a ward turns eighteen (18) years of age and is still missing, the CSW will write a walk-on report and will request a hearing to recommend that jurisdiction be terminated. This excludes exceptional circumstances, such as when:

  • A nonminonr dependent is severely developmentally delayed.
  • A nonminor dependent has been diagnosed with a severe mental illness where it is reasonable to assume they are incompetent.

Child Abduction Task Force

The Child Abduction Task Force meets monthly to discuss child abduction matters and to provide assistance to agencies dealing with child abductions and recoveries. The Task Force is hosted and coordinated by County Counsel. Its partnering agencies include:

  • DCFS
  • Child Abduction County Counsel
  • Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center
  • Find the Children
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • Los Angeles Police Department
  • Los Angeles County Juvenile Court
  • Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Child Abduction Unit

DCFS has a Child Abduction Liaison at Intake and Detention Control (IDC) available to assist and advise CSWs and SCSWs in matters of child abduction protocol. Contact IDC at (323) 881-1303 and ask to be connected to the Child Abduction Liaison.

To improve the chances of locating an abducted child who is under court supervision, a working agreement exists between DCFS, County Counsel, and the District Attorney’s Office.

  • The County Counsel will provide the District Attorney with specific case information to assist in its efforts to locate the family.
  • The County Counsel will serve as a liaison between DCFS and the District Attorney.

The County Counsel will forward information regarding a child’s abduction to the District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit. When appropriate the District Attorney's Child Abduction Unit will file the appropriate charges against the abductor and obtain a felony warrant.

The County Counsel Child Abduction Unit includes Supervisor Alyssa Skolnick (323) 547-4349, Jacqueline Castle (323) 526-6124, Dash Talbot (323) 526-6236, William Birnie (323) 526-6228, Danielle Bass (323) 526-6184 and Chanelle Tabatabaie (323) 526-6215 and can also be contacted at the general dependency division telephone number (323) 526-6100).

Find the Children

Find the Children (FTC) is a non-profit agency that works with individuals as well as agencies to assist in the recovery of abducted children. FTC serves as a repository for information regarding missing children and coordinates efforts to locate them. Upon receiving notification of an abducted child’s recovery, FTC assists in having the child assigned to a counseling agency for him/her to receive mental health evaluation and crisis counseling, as needed. After a child has been recovered and returned to a custodial/“left-behind” parent, FTC provides DCFS with therapists to assist in the reunification process and with the reunification therapy.

PROCEDURE

Responding when a Child under Dependency Court Supervision is Abducted

CSW Responsibilities

  1. Once it has been determined that a child abduction has occurred, immediately notify the Child Protection Hotline (CPH), SCSW, ARA, and RA.
  2. Immediately, and no later than one (1) business day from the date that an abduction occurred:
    1. Contact the DCFS Child Abduction Liaison at (323)729-2201, (323) 729-2218 or (323) 729-2221 or through email at Child_Abduction_Unit@dcfs.lacounty.gov in order to:
      • Obtain instructions on how to file relevant reports
      • Request that law enforcement enter the child’s name into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
  3. Provide the Liaison with:
    • All details regarding the abduction
    • All requested court reports and other documents
    • Photographs of the child (and abductor, if available)
    • Copy of child's birth certificate
  4. Notify the child’s attorney within twenty-four (24) hours of learning of the child’s abduction.
  5. Immediately file a Penal Code 278, Child Abduction Report, and a Penal Code 14205, Missing Persons Report with the law enforcement agency and/or with the division having jurisdiction where the abduction took place.
    1. These reports must be filed no later than one (1) business day from the time the CSW determines that an abduction has occurred. (CSW will ensure that a Missing Persons Report is filed within twenty-four (24) hours of notification).
      • If an abduction takes place after hours on a Friday or during the weekend, Emergency Response Command Post staff is responsible for filing the Missing Persons report.
    2. Consult with the Child Abduction Liaison, as necessary, regarding the procedure for filing these reports.
    3. Obtain the Police Report/DR numbers for both reports, along with hard-copies of the reports.
  6. If law enforcement refuses to file a Missing Persons Report and/or a Child Abduction Report:
    1. Document the following information in the Contact Notebook:
      • Date
      • Officer’s name, badge number, and phone number
      • Reason why law enforcement refused to file reports
    2. Immediately notify and consult with the SCSW about law enforcement’s refusal to accept the report.
    3. Immediately contact the DCFS Child Abduction Liaison to provide the documented information and request assistance with contacting law enforcement for the filing of the reports.
    4. Notify the CPH immediately, if during business hours, of law enforcement’s refusal to take the report(s).
    5. Follow up with the Child Abduction Liaison on the following business day.
    6. If after attempting to make a Missing Persons Report law enforcement still refuses to take a report, notify the SCSW and ask for his or her help. If law enforcement still refuses to take the report, the SCSW will notify the ARA/RA.
  7. Complete a DCFS 729, Protective Custody Warrant Request (Ensure that the name of the Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) issuing the Missing Persons report and the report number are inputted on the form), and complete a "No Bail" arrest warrant request for the abducting parent(s); or if the youth for nonminor dependents is age 18 or older, complete a DCFS 729B, Report of Runaway Event/Return of Youth Age 18 or Older. Adhere to instructions in Protective Custody Warrants.
  8. Refer the child to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children by completing an online referral at https://cmfc.missingkids.org or by calling (800) 843-5678/ (800) THE LOST.
  9. Send copies of the reports to the DCFS Child Abduction Unit via email Child_Abduction_Unit@dcfs.lacounty.gov or fax to (323) 269-2165.
  10. Obtain from law enforcement agency the date that the reports will be ready.
    1. Retain a copy of the reports in the child’s case file.
    2. Forward hard copies of the reports to the Child Abduction Liaison.
    3. Verify law enforcement has entered the child into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by calling the County Wide Warrant System at (562) 345-4459.
  11. Upon request, provide the RA and/or ARA with relevant case information, including:
    • Name, age, and race of the abducted child
    • Circumstances of the abduction
    • Name and relation of the child to the abductor, if known
    • A brief sentence on the prior history of the case
    • Risk category
    • Law enforcement jurisdiction
    • The type of case
    • Whether or not a photo of the child is available
    • Name and location of the caregiver and his/her relationship to the child
  12. Document all of the following:
    • Child abduction facts on the Client Services (ID Page, Case Alerts) of CWS/CMS
    • All contacts in the Contact Notebook
  13. Discuss the situation with the caregiver and assess his/her willingness to have the child returned to his/her home.
  14. Refer to the following table to determine whether to terminate the caregiver’s placement and payment status, and take the required steps:

    Placement & Payment Status

    Criteria for Changing/ Maintaining Placement & Payment Status

    Required Steps

    Terminate placement & payment

    • If the caregiver indicates that the child cannot be returned when found.
    • If the CSW determines that the child will not be found and returned within seven (7) calendar days or by the end of the calendar month of the child’s abduction, whichever comes first.
    • As soon as possible, but no later than the end of the business day that the termination was decided, notify the caregiver verbally or in writing.
    • Document the caregiver’s notification in the Contact Notebook.

    Keep placement and payment open

    • If the caregiver indicates a willingness to have the child returned to his/her home.
    • The CSW or DI agrees that it is appropriate and safe for the child.
    • Keep the placement open and payment ongoing up to seven (7) calendar days or until the end of the calendar month of child’s abduction, whichever comes first.
  15. Obtain individual photographs of each abducted child and of the abductor(s), if available.
    • Group photos may be used if no other photographs are available.
    • Do not provide any original photographs to law enforcement.
    • Photographs should be of good quality and should show the child or abductor’s face clearly.
      1. Write the following information on the reverse side of each photograph. If the photograph is too small, write this information on a separate piece of paper:
        • Child’s name
        • Case number
        • Court number
        • CSW’s name and telephone number
        • For photographs of the abductor(s), also include his/her name and relationship to the child.
      2. Forward all available photographs to the Child Abduction Liaison as quickly as possible.
      3. If requested, provide law enforcement with copies of the photographs.
      4. Make sure photographs are regularly and annually updated on Kidpix.
  16. Request DIA, Due Diligence Search Clerk, Linkages/DPSS Liaison complete the following searches on an as-needed basis:
    • CLEAR (the replacement system for Lexis/Nexis)
    • CalSAWS
    • Statewide Medi-Cal (DHS Med-Lite database)
    • Parent Locator
  17. Notify the Child Abduction Liaison of all changes regarding the child's status, including the recovery of the child.
  18. Notify the Child Abduction Liaison and County Counsel of any communication with law enforcement.

Child Abduction Liaison Responsibilities

  1. As soon as possible:
    1. Inform the County Counsel of the child’s abduction.
    2. Assist the CSW in cases where law enforcement has refused to file a Child Abduction and Missing Person's report.
  2. Prepare the following:
    1. A Notification of Intent to publish identifying information and photographs of the abducted child.
    2. A Notification of Intent to publish identifying information and photographs of the abducting parent(s), relative(s), or legal guardian(s).
  3. Provide notification to Find the Children for their assistance in the preparation of Child Abduction/Missing Person's flyers on the child and abductor.
  4. Send email to CSW informing that:
    • A Child Abduction file has been opened and the child's information has been entered into ARKs.
    • Send CSW attachments for the Child Abduction Packet with detailed information about the Child Abduction Protocol, Policy, and Services.

RA Responsibilities

  1. Follow the procedures outlined in Child Death, Serious Injury, or Illness Reporting Responsibilities.
  2. Provide information requested and obtained from the case-carrying CSW to the Deputy Director and to the Executive Office.
  3. Immediately notify the Deputy Director and Executive Office when the child is located.

Responding When a Child under Dependency Court Supervision is Located and Recovered

Child Protection Hotline (CPH) Responsibilities

  1. If the child is already under DCFS supervision, complete a CSW Information/Consultation Call form and fax/email it:
    • During business hours, to the assigned CSW, his/her SCSW, ARA, and RA, County Counsel and Child Abduction Liaison.
    • During non-business hours, to the ERCP ARA and/or Duty SCSW
  2. If the child is not under DCFS supervision, create a referral and assign it to the office responsible for the area where the child was recovered.
    • During non-business hours, assign the referral to the ERCP.

ER or ERCP CSW Responding to the Referral Responsibilities

  1. Notify the DCFS Abduction Liaison of the recovery. If it is an urgent situation of a high profile case, notify an Intake and Detention Control (IDC) SCSW, your SCSW, and your ARA.
  2. Adhere to the procedures outlined in both Emergency Response Referrals Alleging Abuse of Children Who Are under DCFS Supervision and Residing in the Home of a Parent and Disposition of Allegations and Closure of Emergency Response Referrals.
  3. Research and document the facts of the case, including aspects of child abduction and statements from all collateral contacts.
  4. Obtain statements, including addresses and telephone numbers from all available involved parties, including the reporting party, law enforcement, FBI agents, attorneys, local child protective agencies from the origin of the abduction (if applicable), therapists, relatives, and parents (custodial and abducting, if possible).
  5. When applicable, request and make copies of the following information from the custodial/“left behind” parent for all persons involved in the case:
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage licenses
    • Custodial orders
    • Divorce decrees
    • Drivers licenses
    • Identification cards
    • Passports
  6. Obtain all applicable law enforcement reports.
  7. Assess the need for placement of the child.
    1. If the custodial/“left behind” parent is out of the state, place the child in the home of a relative, if available, per established policy and procedures.
    2. If the custodial/“left behind” parent lives locally, assess if it is appropriate to release the child to that parent. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:
      • Length of time the child has been away from the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • Allegations of abuse and neglect regarding the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • The child’s level of comfort in returning to the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • What the child may have been told about the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • If there is not exigency or consent from a custodial/ “left behind” parent, DCFS will need to go through the removal order/warrant process to legally remove a child from that parent's custody.
    3. If there is no appropriate or available relative, place the child in a placement that will best meet his/her needs.
  8. Arrange a Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting as soon as possible.
    • Prior to the CFT meeting, a petition may need to be filed by IDC on behalf of the recovered child, and/or the child may be released to the designated caregiver or custodial/“left behind” parent.
  9. Prepare a Detention Report, if appropriate.
  10. Advise the custodial/“left behind” parent to bring photographs of him/herself and of the child, as well as the child’s favorite toys, clothing, etc.
  11. Make arrangements to have the child transported to the CFT meeting.
  12. Contact the Abduction Liaison to refer the child for reunification therapy through Find the Children, if the child meets all of the following criteria:
    • Is released to a parent or placed in relative or foster care
    • Resides within Los Angeles County
    • Is Medi-Cal eligible (forward a copy of the Medi-Cal approval letter to the Child Abduction Liaison)
  13. In the specific situations below, refer to the following table and take the following steps:

    Issue at Hand

    Required Actions

    The recovered child is released to the custodial/“left behind” parent.

    AND

    The family resides outside of Los Angeles County.

    • If needed, make a cross report to the appropriate Child Protective Service Agency for follow-up services.

    The recovered child is a dependent of a court jurisdiction in another county, state, or country.

    • Contact the non-Los Angeles County agency and advise the agency of the child’s recovery in Los Angeles County.
    • That agency must develop a plan to transport the child back to its jurisdiction.
    • The child will remain in temporary custody until a plan is in place for his/her transportation out of Los Angeles County.

    The non-Los Angeles County agency is unable or unwilling to retrieve the dependent child.

    • File a WIC 300 petition as necessary.
    • Immediately consult with your SCSW and ARA as well as with an IDC SCSW and ARA.
    • Contact IDC and prepare a detention report.

Child Abduction Liaison Responsibilities

  1. Complete an intake referral regarding any child abduction recovery.
  2. Assist the Regional CSW with the Child Abduction Recovery protocol.
  3. Refer the child for reunification therapy through Find the Children, if the child meets all of the following criteria:
    • Is released to a parent or placed in relative or foster care.
    • Resides within Los Angeles County
    • Is Medi-Cal eligible (forward a copy of the Medi-Cal approval letter to the Child Abduction Liaison) 

When a Child is Located

CSW Responsibilities

  1. Immediately notify the following individuals:
    • ARA
    • RA
    • Abduction and Runaway Kids System (ARKS) Liaison
    • Child Abduction Liaison
    • Child Abduction County Counsel
  2. Upon notification of a child’s recovery from the CPH, pick up the child immediately no later than two (2) hours after being notified.
    • If unavailable, the SCSW and/or office managers must ensure that the child is picked up in a timely manner.
  3. If applicable, notify the child’s "left behind" parent(s) and relative(s) of the child’s recovery.
  4. Notify the child’s attorney within 24 hours of locating the child and provide the child's placement location.

Abduction & Runaway Kids System (ARKS) Liaison Responsibilities

  1. Upon notification that an abducted child has been located and that the warrant has been recalled, enter the appropriate information into the ARKS.

Once a Child is Recovered

CSW Responsibilities

  1. Within twenty-four (24) hours after a child has returned, recall the warrant by completing a DCFS 729A, Protective Custody Warrant Recall Request for children ages seventeen (17) and under, or the DCFS 729B, Report of Runaway Event/Return of Youth Age 18 or Older, to notify the court that the youth has been recovered. Adhere to instructions in Protective Custody Warrants.
  2. Once a child is in DCFS' physical custody, the CSW shall notify the Child Abduction Liaison, County Counsel, and law enforcement where the initial report was taken.

Abduction & Runaway Kids System (ARKS) Liaison Responsibilities

  1. Upon notification that an abducted child has been located and that the warrant has been recalled, enter the appropriate information into the ARKS.

ER or ERCP CSW Responding to the Referral Responsibilities

  1. Notify the DCFS Abduction Liaison of the recovery. If it is an urgent situation of a high profile case, notify an Intake and Detention Control (IDC) SCSW, your SCSW, and your ARA.
  2. Adhere to the procedures outlined in both Emergency Response Referrals Alleging Abuse of Children Who Are under DCFS Supervision and Residing in the Home of a Parent and Investigation, Disposition and Closure of Emergency Response Referrals.
  3. Research and document the facts of the case, including aspects of child abduction and statements from all collateral contacts.
  4. Obtain statements, including addresses and telephone numbers from all available involved parties, including the reporting party, law enforcement, FBI agents, attorneys, local child protective agencies from the origin of the abduction (if applicable), therapists, relatives, and parents (custodial and abducting, if possible).
  5. When applicable, request and make copies of the following information from the custodial/“left behind” parent for all persons involved in the case:
    • Birth certificates
    • Marriage licenses
    • Custodial orders
    • Divorce decrees
    • Drivers licenses
    • Identification cards
    • Passports
  6. Obtain all applicable law enforcement reports.
  7. Assess the need for placement of the child.
    1. If the custodial/“left behind” parent is out of the state, place the child in the home of a relative, if available, per established policy and procedures.
    2. If the custodial/“left behind” parent lives locally, assess if it is appropriate to release the child to that parent. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:
      • Length of time the child has been away from the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • Allegations of abuse and neglect regarding the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • The child’s level of comfort in returning to the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • What the child may have been told about the custodial/“left behind” parent.
      • If there is not exigency or consent from a custodial/ “left behind” parent, DCFS will need to go through the removal order/warrant process to legally remove a child from that parent's custody.
    3. If there is no appropriate or available relative, place the child in a placement that will best meet his/her needs.
  8. Arrange a Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting as soon as possible.
    • Prior to the CFT meeting, a petition may need to be filed by IDC on behalf of the recovered child, and/or the child may be released to the designated caregiver or custodial/“left behind” parent.
  9. Prepare a Initial Hearing Report, if appropriate.
  10. Advise the custodial/“left behind” parent to bring photographs of him/herself and of the child, as well as the child’s favorite toys, clothing, etc.
  11. Make arrangements to have the child transported to the CFT meeting.
  12. Contact the Abduction Liaison to refer the child for reunification therapy through Find the Children, if the child meets all of the following criteria:
    • Is released to a parent or placed in relative or foster care
    • Resides within Los Angeles County
    • Is Medi-Cal eligible (forward a copy of the Medi-Cal approval letter to the Child Abduction Liaison)
  13. In the specific situations below, refer to the following table and take the following steps:

    Issue at Hand

    Required Actions

    The recovered child is released to the custodial/“left behind” parent.

    AND

    The family resides outside of Los Angeles County.

    • If needed, make a cross report to the appropriate Child Protective Service Agency for follow-up services.

    The recovered child is a dependent of a court jurisdiction in another county, state, or country.

    • Contact the non-Los Angeles County agency and advise the agency of the child’s recovery in Los Angeles County.
    • That agency must develop a plan to transport the child back to its jurisdiction.
    • The child will remain in temporary custody until a plan is in place for his/her transportation out of Los Angeles County.

    The non-Los Angeles County agency is unable or unwilling to retrieve the dependent child.

    • File a WIC 300 petition as necessary.
    • Immediately consult with your SCSW and ARA as well as with an IDC SCSW and ARA.
    • Contact IDC and prepare a detention report .

Requesting Termination of Jurisdiction of an Abducted Child Case

CSW Responsibilities

When a ward turns eighteen (18) years of age and is still missing:

  1. Walk-On/Set-On a hearing through Court Liaison to request termination of jurisdiction.
  2. Do not make a request to terminate jurisdiction for a nonminor dependent age eighteen (18) or older if the following circumstances exist:
    1. The nonminor dependent is seriously developmentally delayed.
    2. The nonminor dependent has been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition, which makes it reasonable to assume he/she is incompetent.
    3. The child nonminor dependent has a serious or life-threatening medical condition
  3. Prior to requesting that the jurisdiction of a child abduction case be terminated, consult with the Child Abduction County Counsel regarding the following:
    • For any question on how to provide the court with the necessary information to terminate jurisdiction
    • For a child who is located out of Los Angeles County and for whom there is a positive DIF or other social study report from another country
  4. If walking-on or setting-on a report to terminate jurisdiction, adhere to the Set-On/Walk-On Procedures.
  5. Note the child’s eighteenth (18th) birthday and request a progress report hearing before this birthday.
    1. If this birthday has passed, the matter should be handled as a walk-on as soon as possible.
  6. When a youth reaches eighteen (18) years of age, recall the protective custody warrant for the youth using the DCFS 729B form.
  7. Upon receipt of the minute order to terminate jurisdiction, provide a copy of it to the ARKS Liaison.

ARKS Liaison Responsibilities

  1. Upon notification that the court has terminated jurisdiction of an abduction case, enter that information into the ARKS.
APPROVALS

SCSW Approval

  • DCFS 729, Protective Custody Warrant Request
  • DCFS 729A, Protective Custody Warrant Recall Request
  • DCFS 729B, Report of Runaway Event/Return of Youth Age 18 or Older
HELPFUL LINKS

Forms

LA Kids

CSW Information/Consultation Call

DCFS 729A, Protective Custody Warrant Request

DCFS 729B, Protective Custody Warrant Recall Request

CWS/CMS

DCFS 729, Protective Custody Warrant Request

DCFS 729A, Protective Custody Warrant Recall Request

DCFS 729B, Report of Runaway Event/Return of Youth Age 18 or Older

REFERENCED POLICY GUIDES

0050-502.10, Child Protection Hotline (CPH)

0070-548.01, Child and Family Teams

0070-548.06, Emergency Response Referrals Alleging Abuse of Children Who Are Under DCFS Supervision and Residing in the Home of a Parent

0070-548.10, Investigation, Disposition and Closure of Emergency Response Referrals

0100-520.10, Evaluating a Prospective Caregiver

0100-570.11, Missing or Absent from Care Children/Nonminor Dependents

0300-303.15, Writing the Initial Hearing Report

0300-503.55, Protective Custody Warrants

0300-503.75, Reporting Child Death, Serious Injury or Illness

0300-503.94, Set-On/Walk-On Procedures 

0300-506.05, Communication with Attorneys, County Counsel, and Non-DCFS Staff

STATUTES AND OTHER MANDATES

Family Code (FAM) Section 3130 – States, in part, that if a petition to determine custody of a child has been filed and if the whereabouts of the party in possession of the child are not known, or there is reason to believe that the party may not appear in the court proceedings, the district attorney will take all actions necessary to locate him/her.

Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 339 – States that in case a court citation cannot be served, or the person served fails to obey it, or in any case in which it appears to the court that the citation will probably be ineffective, a warrant of arrest may issue on the order of the court either against the parent, or guardian, or the person having the custody of the minor, or with whom the minor is living.

WIC Section 340 – States, in part, that a protective custody warrant may be issued immediately for a minor when a petition has been filed in juvenile court that alleges that the minor comes within WIC 300 and requests a hearing. Also states that this warrant may be issued when this petition has been filed and it appears that the child’s home environment may endanger the child’s health, person, or welfare.

Penal Code (PEN) Section 207 – States the circumstances under which an individual will be considered guilty of kidnapping when a child is taken out of the county, state, or country.

(a) Every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person into another country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping.

(b) Every person, who for the purpose of committing any act defined in Section 288, hires, persuades, entices, decoys, or seduces by false promises, misrepresentations, or the like, any child under the age of 14 years to go out of this country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping.

(c) Every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, takes or holds, detains, or arrests any person, with a design to take the person out of this state, without having established a claim, according to the laws of the United States, or of this state, or who hires, persuades, entices, decoys, or seduces by false promises, misrepresentations, or the like, any person to go out of this state, or to be taken or removed therefrom, for the purpose and with the intent to sell that person into slavery or involuntary servitude, or otherwise to employ that person for his or her own use, or to the use of another, without the free will and consent of that persuaded person, is guilty of kidnapping.

(d) Every person who, being out of this state, abducts or takes by force or fraud any person contrary to the law of the place where that act is committed, and brings, sends, or conveys that person within the limits of this state, and is afterwards found within the limits thereof, is guilty of kidnapping.

(e) For purposes of those types of kidnapping requiring force, the amount of force required to kidnap an unresisting infant or child is the amount of physical force required to take and carry the child away a substantial distance for an illegal purpose or with an illegal intent.

(f) Subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, do not apply to any of the following:

(1) To any person who steals, takes, entices away, detains, conceals, or harbors any child under the age of 14 years, if that act is taken to protect the child from danger of imminent harm.

(2) To any person acting under Section 834 or 837.

PEN 277(K) – Defines abduction. (k) “Abduct” means take, entice away, keep, withhold, or conceal.

PEN 278 – Every person, not having a right to custody, who maliciously takes, entices away, keeps, withholds, or conceals any child with the intent to detain or conceal that child from a lawful custodian shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for two, three, or four years, a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both that fine and imprisonment.

PEN 278.5 - (a) Every person who takes, entices away, keeps, withholds, or conceals a child and maliciously deprives a lawful custodian of a right to custody, or a person of a right to visitation, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for 16 months, or two or three years, a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both that fine and imprisonment.

(b) Nothing contained in this section limits the court’s contempt power.

(c) A custody order obtained after the taking, enticing away, keeping, withholding, or concealing of a child does not constitute a defense to a crime charged under this section.

PEN 14205 – States, in part, the actions that will be taken by all local police and sheriff departments regarding a missing person.

(a) The online missing persons registry shall accept and generate complete information on a missing person.

(b) The information on a missing person shall be retrievable by any of the following:

(1) The person’s name.

(2) The person’s date of birth.

(3) The person’s social security number.

(4) Whether a dental chart has been received, coded, and entered into the National Crime Information Center Missing Person System by the Attorney General.

(5) The person’s physical description, including hair and eye color and body marks.

(6) The person’s known associates.

(7) The person’s last known location.

(8) The name or assumed name of the abductor, if applicable, other pertinent information relating to the abductor or the assumed abductor, or both.

(9) Any other information, as deemed appropriate by the Attorney General.

(c) The Attorney General, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies and other user groups, shall develop the form in which information shall be entered into the system.

(d) The Attorney General shall establish and maintain within the center a separate, confidential historic database relating to missing children and at-risk adults. The historic database may be used only by the center for statistical and research purposes. The historic database shall be set up to categorize cases relating to missing children and at-risk adults by type. These types shall include the following:

(1) Runaways.

(2) Voluntary missing.