Section 329.20  Definitions

"Abducted child", as used in this Part, means a child who has been concealed, detained, or removed from the jurisdiction of the court in violation of a valid court order granting custody to another.

"Child" or "Youth" means children for whom the Department has temporary protective custody, custody, or guardianship via court order, or children whose parents have signed an adoptive surrender or voluntary placement agreement with the Department; and for this Part only, includes children for whom the Department has an open case file but who have not been removed from the home, children who have run away from foster care and who have not attained 18 years of age or such older age as determined by the Department on an individual basis, and youth who are not in foster care but are receiving transition to adulthood support services.

"Missing child" means that a child or youth is absent from the residence of a caregiver or the premises of a child care facility without the knowledge or consent of the persons responsible for the child's welfare, the whereabouts of the child or youth are unknown, and intent to run away has not been established.

"Runaway" means that a child or youth has been absent from the residence of a caregiver or the premises of a child care facility without the knowledge or consent of the persons responsible for the child's welfare, the whereabouts of the child or youth are unknown, and intent to run away has been established.  If the child or youth has left a note or other indication of intent to run away, he or she shall be considered a "runaway" immediately.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12218, effective August 1, 2024)