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

• A. Debrief within 2 hours
• B. Debrief as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the child's return
• C. Debrief within 3 days
• D. Debrief within 1 week

Answer: (B)

Timely debriefing after an unauthorized absence is essential for safety and the child’s emotional processing. The best practice is to debrief as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the child returns.

Why this timing matters: promptly checking in helps staff assess the child’s immediate emotional state, identify any safety concerns, and determine what support or services are needed right away. It also ensures information about the incident is gathered while details are fresh, which supports accurate documentation, risk assessment, and updates to the child’s case plan. Delaying debriefing beyond 24 hours can miss important cues, slow the provision of needed supports, and potentially increase risk if issues aren’t captured quickly. While attempting to debrief within two hours may seem ideal, it can be impractical because it requires the child to be safe and ready to talk, and staff to be prepared for a constructive, organized discussion. Debriefing after several days or a week tends to hinder timely intervention and misses the critical window for effective support.