What is the primary action a case manager must take when a child turns 18 while missing?

The primary action a case manager must take when a child turns 18 while missing is to notify all agencies that the child was missing. This is crucial because the transition to adulthood can significantly change a case's legal and procedural context. By notifying all relevant agencies, the case manager ensures that any ongoing investigations, resources, and support systems are updated to reflect the child's new status and can coordinate efforts to locate the child efficiently. This notification can also help facilitate a smoother transition for the child into adulthood, as agencies may have differing protocols and resources available once an individual reaches the age of majority.

This action emphasizes the interconnected nature of child welfare systems and the importance of communication among agencies to address the complexities involved when a child’s status changes due to age. The other choices—filing a new case, contacting the child’s parents, or attempting to locate the child immediately—do not address the necessity of inter-agency communication and could lead to fragmented actions that might delay or hinder effective support for the missing youth.