Two-year-old absconded by parent from Florida located in Columbia County

HUDSON – A nationwide search by ChildNet, Inc. for the Florida Department of Children and Families, has led to the discovery of a two-year-old child living with a parent in the City of Hudson. The youngster and parent were missing from Broward County, Florida.

The gender of the toddler and parent were not made public.

The child was reported missing on January 21, 2026 and a search resulted in the belief that both were living in the City of Hudson.

City police, State Police and the Columbia County Department of Social Services – Child Protective Services Unit conducted welfare checks around the city and on March 23, both were safely located and taken into protective custody.

The child was later placed with the Columbia County Department of Social Services and custody was later transferred to the State of Florida.

Review of the case by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and Hudson Police resulted in criminal charges being filed against a family member for obstructing governmental administration.