CATEGORY 1: ELOPEMENT SCENARIOS
A client says “I’m done with this place” and starts walking toward the door. What is the first thing staff should say?
Acknowledge emotion and slow the moment (ex. “I can see you’re upset, let’s pause and talk”).
The client cannot be located after an initial search. What happens next?
Notify supervisor/on-call and follow escalation protocol (including law enforcement if required).
Name one time of day elopements commonly occur.
Evenings, nights, weekends, or shift change.
“Client ran away.” Is this sufficient documentation?
No, it is vague and lacks required detail.
Should staff physically block exits to prevent elopement?
No.
A client attempts to leave during shift change. What is the immediate priority?
Ensure all other clients are safe and supervised before addressing the elopement.
A client has left the grounds. What is step one?
Confirm the safety and location of all remaining clients.
Why are weekends higher-risk for elopement?
Less clinical staff, fewer scheduled activities, and increased emotional downtime.
What types of objective language should replace emotional wording?
Specific actions, times, locations, and observed behaviors.
During an elopement incident, what does it look like to follow policy and provide good clinical care at the same time?
Ensuring safety, notifying leadership, documenting accurately, and responding calmly and respectfully without shaming or punishment.
A client elopes after a phone call. Aside from the call, what earlier warning signs may have been missed?
Emotional distress, withdrawal, agitation, boundary testing, or schedule questions.
Who is responsible for communicating with guardians or placing agencies?
Leadership or clinical staff, not CCs.
How does staffing level impact elopement prevention?
Lower staffing can reduce visibility and response speed. Higher staffing can do the opposite.
What details must be included in the elopement timeline?
Time of elopement, notifications, actions taken, and return time/status.
How can staff maintain safety without entering a power struggle?
Use calm tone, choices, boundaries, and consistency.
Two staff disagree on whether to follow the client off property. What determines the correct decision?
Safety, staffing, environment, and policy. Not personal comfort or urgency. When in doubt, reach out.
When should documentation begin during an elopement?
As soon as possible during or immediately after the incident.
What staff behaviors unintentionally increase elopement risk?
Inconsistency, power struggles, dismissive language, or lack of engagement.
Why must notifications be clearly documented?
To demonstrate compliance and appropriate escalation.
How does staff tone influence elopement outcomes?
Calm, respectful tone reduces escalation and increases cooperation (and vice-versa).
A client returns angry and verbally escalated after eloping. What is the appropriate staff response?
Maintain calm, ensure safety, avoid punishment or confrontation, attempt to de-escalate, and follow post-incident protocol.
What follow-up is required once the client returns?
Safety check, leadership/clinical notification, documentation, and debrief. Possible UA/BAC testing.
How do predictable routines help reduce elopement behavior?
They increase safety, trust, and emotional regulation.
How can poor documentation negatively affect staff?
It puts us all at risk. It increases liability and reduces protection during audits or investigations.
A client is emotionally escalated, crying, and pacing but is still responding to staff. What's the next move and why?
Therapeutic engagement. Because early engagement can reduce risk, prevent elopement, and avoid power struggles while the client is still receptive.