When a child or young person is not where they should be, it can be stressful for carers.

Children and young people can be very vulnerable in these situations. Even if we know where the child or young person is, they may still be at risk and need continued support to help them to return.

The following content provides guidance for carers, for when a child or young person in their care is missing or absent.

Family based carers: Missing or absent from placement fact sheet (PDF, 209.7 KB)

When a child or young person is missing or absent: Family based placements flowchart (PDF, 198.6 KB)

If you are concerned that the child or young person is in immediate or life threatening danger, contact South Australia Police on 000, then advise DCP.

Your foster care support worker or kinship care worker can provide further guidance on what to do, when a child or young person in your care is missing or absent.