| (a) When a child in DFPS's conservatorship runs away,
is abducted, or is otherwise missing from the child's authorized placement,
DFPS must follow all procedures outlined in §264.123, Texas Family
Code, to locate the child and cooperate with law enforcement if the
child has been the victim of any suspected crime while missing from
the child's authorized placement.
(b) When an older youth in DFPS conservatorship refuses
to remain in a foster care placement, but the older youth's whereabouts
are known, the child's caseworker must:
(1) maintain as much face-to-face contact with the
youth as possible;
(2) attempt to convince the youth to return to foster
care;
(3) make all reasonable efforts to locate an authorized
placement that can meet the child's needs; and
(4) take any other steps as appropriate to ensure the
child's safety and well-being.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter,
DFPS does not pay the costs of an unauthorized independent-living
arrangement, which consists of a child or youth living in a residential
situation without the permission of DFPS or the court.
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