Cook County Special Unit Searches for DCFS Runaways

Sgt. Dion Trotter drives around looking for DCFS runaways. He leads a special unit within the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Dion Trotter drives around looking for DCFS runaways. He leads a special unit within the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. WBEZ/Natalie Moore
Sgt. Dion Trotter drives around looking for DCFS runaways. He leads a special unit within the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Dion Trotter drives around looking for DCFS runaways. He leads a special unit within the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. WBEZ/Natalie Moore

Cook County Special Unit Searches for DCFS Runaways

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When minors who are wards of the state go missing in Cook County, it’s up to a special team of sheriffs to find them.

Since 2012 the Child Protective Response Unit has been combing the streets looking for runaways. It has found hundreds of children overseen by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

But some say the bureaucracy they encounter after they get picked up is still a problem.

WBEZ’s Natalie Moore took a ride with the runaway unit to see for herself and has this audio postcard.

Natalie Moore is WBEZ’ South Side Bureau reporter. Follow her on Twitter @natalieymoore.