Abstract
This qualitative study explored the potentially dangerous absent without official leave (AWOL) behavior among adolescents who were in group-type foster care facilities. This research is done from the perspective of the direct care staff of the targeted agency. The considerations were the agency policy regarding AWOL behavior, the perceived efficacy of the current interventions in response to threats of AWOL as well as actual AWOL behavior and how the staff responds to the returning AWOL teen. Staff training and the efficacy of the current interventions were the focus of the interviews. One recommendation derived from an analysis of data is for the court and the county agency responsible for the children in the parents' stead to reconsider the 'no contact' rule often put in place when children are taken into protective custody. With regard to the use of behavioral interventions, staff should refrain from using punitive interventions in response to inappropriate behavior that disallow participation in activities. Rather than restricting access, staff should encourage the teens to engage in appropriate, structured, and planned community activities wit their peers and cottage staff that may distract them, and/or allow them to find a connection with other teens or staff. Another recommendation is that agencies employ a dedicated staff member who is in place to step in and mentor teens that are having a particularly difficult time adjusting to the situation. This mentor would be available 24/7 to the teen to explain policy, resolve issues, and address specific problems. Part of the reason teens go AWOL is because they are seeking someone who will understand and be sensitive to their situation; someone to whom they feel connected. The mentor may also be the person in the program who conducts a screening as part of the intake process to identify red flags and rate each teen's propensity to run, as well as the person to debrief the teen if they are returning from an AWOL absence. The last recommendation is for the agency to develop a plan, team, or committee who will follow up when a child AWOLs to investigate what happened, identify indicators that may have been missed, examine debriefing notes, and draft a report that makes specific recommendations for future situations to prevent the chance of overlooking the same signs in the future.