runaways; alert systems

SB 1782 requires Arizona's child welfare agency (the Department of Child Safety) to notify law enforcement and specific databases within 24 hours when a child in state care or under court supervision goes missing, is abducted, or runs away. It mandates reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, contacting family members, caregivers, and school staff, and sharing detailed information (like photos, clothing, and last locations) with media and social media within 48 hours. The bill also requires ongoing weekly updates to law enforcement, age-progression images for children missing over two years, and staff training on search protocols. This directly affects children in foster care or under court supervision, their families, law enforcement, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.