The state Department of Human Services is requesting the public's help in locating missing foster children. A list of individuals is located at www.hawaii.gov/missing-children.

Three children previously listed on the department's Missing Children Web site were reported found this past week.

The remaining missing teenagers are believed to have voluntarily left their foster care homes, often without notifying their foster parents or social service workers.

Persons with information about the whereabouts of youth listed on the department's site are asked to call their local police departments.

The department is working with the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition to contact children who returned to their foster homes after running away and discuss issues that caused them to leave.

Youth who are currently on the run or who may be thinking about leaving their homes are strongly encouraged to call the coalition at 255-8365.