Reveals Jocelyn Krofek Safe After Vanishing

At a Glance

• 14-year-old Jocelyn Krofek found safe after disappearing from a Portsmouth behavioral health center.
• Two other residents, 12-year-old Forever Scott and 16-year-old Darsha McAllister, remain missing.
• Police announced the recovery on January 23, a day before a major winter storm was forecast for Virginia.
• Why it matters: The case highlights the vulnerability of teens in behavioral health facilities and the urgency of family-facility communication.

Jocelyn Krofek’s disappearance from Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center in Portsmouth stunned the community, but relief followed when police confirmed she was safe. The incident underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols in adolescent mental-health settings.

Background

The three girls vanished around 7:30 a.m. on January 18 in the Fort Lane area of Portsmouth. All are residents of Harbor Point and were classified as runaways by local authorities.

Harbor Point Residents

Police Response

The Portsmouth Police Department announced on January 23 that Jocelyn had been located and was safe. Police said they had not yet received a call from Harbor Point after her disappearance, prompting concerns about communication protocols.

Key Actions

• Immediate search operations in the Fort Lane vicinity.
• Coordination with Harbor Point staff and patient guardians.
• Public appeal for information regarding the missing girls.

Harbor Point Statement

Harbor Point’s response was swift. In a statement obtained by News Of Los Angeles, the center said, “Our team responded immediately by informing local law enforcement and the patients’ guardians, and we are cooperating fully with the Portsmouth Police Department as they work to safely locate these individuals.”

The statement also highlighted HIPAA restrictions: “Due to HIPAA patient privacy laws, we cannot offer comment on specific patients or their care/treatment,” the center added.

Missing Girls’ Details

The two girls still missing are described in detail by police.

Forever Scott

• Age: 12
• Last seen wearing: navy blue pants, a Jordan brand shirt
• Physical description: 5 ft 2 in, 129 lbs, brown eyes, black hair in two cornrows
• Classification: Endangered due to age

Darsha McAllister

• Age: 16
• Last seen wearing: pink pajama pants, a tan shirt with “California” printed
• Physical description: 5 ft 6 in, 188 lbs, brown eyes, orange hair

Family and Legal Concerns

Tammy Krofek, Jocelyn’s grandmother and legal guardian, expressed frustration that Harbor Point did not contact her after the disappearance. She told CBS affiliate WTKR that her granddaughter had previously run away on New Year’s Eve but returned after a few hours. Tammy added, “Had they called me when she disappeared, I would have answered those calls.”

The lack of communication raised questions about the center’s duty of care and potential legal implications for the facility.

Community and Legal Implications

The incident has prompted calls for stricter oversight of behavioral health centers that house minors. Advocates argue that facilities must maintain clear protocols for notifying families when a patient is missing or runs away.

Potential Next Steps

• Ongoing search: Police continue to look for Forever Scott and Darsha McAllister.
• Storm impact: The search is occurring just before a major winter storm, adding logistical challenges.
• Public tips: Authorities have opened multiple channels for anonymous tips, including the Portsmouth Police Special Victims Unit, Crime Line, and the P3 Tips app.

Key Takeaways

• Jocelyn Krofek was recovered and is safe.
• Two other residents remain missing, with detailed descriptions released.
• Harbor Point’s immediate cooperation with police contrasts with family concerns over communication.
• The case highlights the need for transparent protocols in adolescent behavioral health settings.

The community awaits further updates as police continue their search amid the impending storm.