Law enforcement authorities in Barbados are intensifying efforts to locate a missing 14-year-old teen, Tia Gittens, who vanished more than a week after walking out of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital against medical protocol. Gittens, who is currently under the legal care of the island’s Child Care Board, has not been spotted by friends, family or officials since May 22. According to official descriptions released by the police, the missing teenager stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, has a slim build and a brown complexion. The last confirmed sighting of Gittens found she was dressed in casual loungewear: a pair of loose-fitting long grey sweatpants, a solid black sweater, and simple house slippers. With no significant leads developed in the case so far, local police have issued a wide-ranging public appeal for community assistance to help bring the teen home safely. Any member of the public who has encountered Gittens since May 22, or holds any information that could hint at her current location, is urged to reach out to law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted to the Central Police Station directly, the 24/7 police emergency hotline at 211, the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-8477, or any local police district office closest to the informant. Investigators have emphasized that even small, seemingly insignificant pieces of information could prove critical to resolving the case quickly.