SECTION 749.592. What are the requirements for debriefing a child after an unauthorized absence?

(a) After a child returns to the foster home from an unauthorized absence, the foster parent, or other appropriate person, must conduct a debriefing with the child as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the child's return. The purpose of the debriefing is for the child and the foster parent, or other appropriate person, to discuss the following:

(1) The circumstances that led to the child's unauthorized absence;

(2) The trauma informed strategies the child can use to avoid future unauthorized absences and how the foster parent can support those strategies;

(3) The child's condition; and

(4) What occurred while the child was away from the foster home, including where the child went, who was with the child, the child's activities, and any other information that may be relevant to the child's health and safety.

(b) The foster parent must allow the child to return to routine activities, excluding any activity that the foster parent determines would be inappropriate because of the child's condition following the unauthorized absence or something that occurred during the unauthorized absence.

(c) The debriefing must be documented in the child's record, including any routine activity that would be inappropriate for the child to return to and the explanation for why the activity is inappropriate.

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.592 adopted to be effective June 1, 2020, 45 TexReg 3329