Shelters are open settings and not designed to detain children in a "lockup" situation.  Shelter staff are responsible for providing protection to children in residence, but preventing a child from leaving the facility may not always be possible.

• (1) Restraining young and vulnerable children who are trying to leave without permission.  When shelter staff anticipate a child leaving the shelter without permission (AWOL), the first response is to counsel with the resident about the dangers of running away.  The assigned CW worker or supervisor is involved, if feasible. Shelter staff actively engage in efforts to physically detain children from leaving the shelter. Physical behavior management techniques are utilized if necessary.  When feasible, shelter staff pursue residents attempting to leave without permission and return them to the shelter. [OAC 340:75-10-15].
• (2) Notifying law enforcement and the CW worker.  If a child leaves the shelter without permission, shelter staff conduct an active search of the premises and file a missing persons report with local law enforcement.  Shelter staff immediately notify the child's CW worker, supervisor, or county director of any actual departure of a child from the shelter.  When the child is located, the shelter staff notifies the local law enforcement to cancel the missing persons report.   • 1 & 2