Submitted by Carol Schaap, mother of Kristen Lynn Schaap
First, I would like to thank all of you for showing such an outpouring of support in finding our daughter Kristen. It is such a comforting feeling to know how many people care. Words can’t begin to express the gratitude that we feel to all of you.
Here’s an update – We learned some information yesterday that removed our largest worry, that something bad had happened to her. She has been spotted.
I received a call from the police department in Santa Ana, California, that Kristen’s case was being closed because police in Manhattan Beach (37 miles from Santa Ana) had encountered her and sent her via private ambulance to one of 3 hospitals for evaluation. We called all 3, and legally all they could tell us is that she is not a patient now.
So it’s great news to us that Kristen has been spotted alive (Praise God!), but now brings up our next hurdle — actually finding her. And also — we are worried because something was wrong enough with Kristen that the police had to intervene and send her to a hospital for an issue that they could not disclose the nature of.
Due to HIPAA laws (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), police, hospitals, shelters, etc. are not allowed to give us any information beyond “we have seen her/interacted with her” at some point in time. It’s frustrating, but we understand that if they did not follow those laws, they would likely lose their jobs. It is unfortunate that the laws do not take into account that Kristen is not of sound mind right now and needs our help. We would like to consult a California lawyer about taking guardianship or conservatorship over Kristen, but have been advised that is very difficult unless she is a danger to herself or others. We are again asking that anyone in Southern California keep an eye out for her.
Once again, pray for us as we consider what steps to take next.
Carol Meyer Schaap (link to Carol’s Facebook profile)
Information
Although Kristen’s Missing Person Case is closed, we are including information from the police flyer so that anyone who interacts with her will understand the context.
- Name: Kristen Lynn Schaap
- Age: 33 years old
- Diagnosis: Schizoaffective disorder – Bipolar
- Physical description: 5’7″, blue eyes, platinum blonde hair
- Left home: October 16, 2023
- Interacted with police: December 5, 2023
- If seen, contact 219-515-4874
Glad that you at least know she has been seen.
Prayers continue for you to be able to find her and know she’s truly alright.
My prayers are with you and your family. I remembered her beautiful smile and being very polite when she attended church before the Pandemic. I will continue to pray for her and your family.