LAPD Recovers Missing Children From Los Angeles Foster Home after Search for Vanished Young Residents

Amber Alert canceled: Missing Brothers Found Safe in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – A tense situation concluded Sunday afternoon as authorities confirmed the safe recovery of two young brothers who had been the subject of an Amber Alert. Derek Rodriguez-Hernandez, age 2, and his older brother, Jaden Hernandez, were located and are in good health, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The two young brothers were initially believed to have been abducted by their biological mother.

(California Highway Patrol)

Details of the Disappearance

The incident began around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when the two boys left their foster home in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. Foster parents reported hearing a door open and discovered the children were missing shortly thereafter. The Los Angeles police Department quickly determined that the boys had been taken by their biological mother, Jackeline Hernandez-Torres.

Authorities promptly issued an Amber Alert,seeking public assistance in locating the children and their mother. The alert included descriptions of all three individuals and requested immediate notification to law enforcement if spotted.

Individual	Age (approximate)	Relationship
Derek rodriguez-Hernandez	2	Missing Child
Jaden Hernandez	Unknown	Missing Child
Jackeline Hernandez-Torres	Unknown	Biological Mother

Did you Know? Amber alerts are a critical rapid-alert system used in the United States to broadcast information about missing children who are believed to have been abducted and are in imminent danger. according to the National center for Missing and Exploited Children, the system has played a role in the safe recovery of numerous children since its inception in 1996. Learn more about Amber alerts here.

Safe Return and Ongoing Investigation

The Amber Alert was successfully canceled on Sunday afternoon after the boys were found. Law enforcement officials confirmed that both Derek and Jaden were unharmed. The children are expected to be reunited with their foster parents in the coming days.

The circumstances surrounding the abduction and the current status of Jackeline Hernandez-Torres remain under investigation. Details about potential charges or the motivation behind the incident have not yet been released to the public.

Pro Tip: If you receive an Amber Alert, immediately check your surroundings and report any relevant information to your local law enforcement agency. Every second counts in these situations.

Understanding Foster Care and Parental Rights

This case highlights the complexities surrounding foster care and the rights of biological parents. The foster care system is designed to provide temporary care for children who are unable to live with their families due to safety concerns. However, biological parents retain certain rights, even when their children are in foster care.

Issues such as parental visitation, reunification plans, and the potential for parental abduction are common challenges within the foster care system. Legal frameworks vary by state, but the overarching goal is always to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. According to the Management for Children and Families, there were approximately 391,000 children in foster care in the united States in 2022. Read more about foster care statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions about amber Alerts

What is an Amber Alert?

An Amber Alert is a public notification system used to disseminate information about a missing child believed to have been abducted and in imminent danger.

How does an Amber Alert get issued?

An Amber Alert is typically issued by state or local law enforcement agencies after meeting specific criteria, including evidence of abduction and the child being at risk of serious harm or death.

What information is included in an Amber Alert?

Alerts typically include the child’s name, age, description, a description of the suspect or vehicle involved, and contact information for law enforcement.

What should you do if you receive an Amber Alert?

Pay close attention to the details and immediately contact law enforcement if you have any information related to the case.

How effective are Amber Alerts?

Amber Alerts have been credited with the safe recovery of numerous children,raising awareness and encouraging public participation.

What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system? Do you think there are ways to improve its response time and reach?

Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

What specific challenges within teh Los Angeles County foster care system may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the children going missing?

The Disappearance and Initial Investigation

On August 24th, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced the accomplished recovery of several children who had gone missing from a licensed foster home in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. The initial report of missing children triggered a city-wide search, involving multiple LAPD divisions, including the Juvenile Division and specialized search teams. Concerns were promptly raised regarding the welfare of the children and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. The foster home,operated by “New Beginnings Foster Care” (name confirmed by LAPD press release),housed a total of eight children ranging in age from 6 to 16.

The LAPD received the initial missing persons report at approximately 8:00 AM on August 23rd, filed by a staff member at the foster home who noticed several children were absent during a routine morning headcount. Early investigations focused on determining if the children had run away, been abducted, or if there was a systemic failure within the foster care system. “We treated this as a critical incident from the moment we received the report,” stated Captain Ramirez of the LAPD’s Juvenile Division during a press conference. “Our priority was, and remains, the safe return of these vulnerable children.”

details of the Recovery Operation

The breakthrough in the case came late on August 24th, following a tip received through the LAPD’s online reporting portal. The tip, originating from a concerned citizen who reported seeing a group of children matching the descriptions of the missing individuals near a vacant commercial property in the nearby Echo Park neighborhood, led officers to the location.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the children unharmed, but understandably distressed. The children were found sheltering inside the abandoned building. Preliminary reports indicate the children had left the foster home voluntarily, citing concerns about the living conditions and alleged mistreatment by a foster parent.

Children Recovered: Seven of the eight reported missing children were located at the echo Park location.

Medical Evaluation: All recovered children were immediately transported to local hospitals for medical evaluations and psychological assessments.

One Child Still Missing: As of 10:00 PM PST on august 24th, one child, a 14-year-old male named David miller, remains unaccounted for. The LAPD is continuing its search efforts, focusing on areas frequented by Miller.

Foster Care System Scrutiny & Ongoing Investigations

The incident has immediately sparked renewed scrutiny of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the oversight of foster care facilities. advocates for children’s rights are calling for a comprehensive review of the licensing procedures, background checks, and ongoing monitoring of foster homes.

Key Areas of Investigation:

1. Allegations of Mistreatment: the LAPD is actively investigating allegations of mistreatment and neglect within the “New Beginnings Foster Care” home. Interviews with the recovered children are ongoing.
2. DCFS Oversight: The DCFS is conducting an internal review to determine if proper protocols were followed in the licensing and monitoring of the foster home.
3. Runaway Prevention: Authorities are examining the circumstances that led the children to leave the foster home voluntarily and assessing the effectiveness of runaway prevention measures.
4. Foster Parent Background Checks: A thorough review of the foster parent’s background check and qualifications is underway.

Resources for Reporting Concerns & Seeking Help

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or if you have data regarding the whereabouts of David Miller, please contact the following:

LAPD Tip Line: 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247)

DCFS Child Protection Hotline: [phone]

National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)

California Child Protective Services: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-protective-services

Understanding the Challenges in Foster Care

The Los Angeles County foster care system is one of the largest in the nation, serving tens of thousands of children. The system faces numerous challenges, including:

Shortage of Foster Homes: A persistent shortage of qualified foster homes leads to overcrowding and instability for children in care.

Trauma-Informed Care: Many children in foster care have experienced important trauma, requiring specialized care and support.

Mental Health Services: Access to adequate mental health services for children in foster care is ofen limited.

* Transitional Support: Providing adequate support for youth aging out of the foster care system is crucial to prevent homelessness and other negative outcomes.