4.9 Protocol for Children and Young People Missing from Home or Care |
AMENDMENT
This protocol was revised by Walsall Safeguarding Children Board in January 2012 and added to the manual in March 2012. In particular, references were changed from NYAS to the Children's Society - and from IISaM to the Paris Team.
Contents
Foreword
This protocol is important for the safeguarding of children and families in Walsall, or those using services in the area. It should be read and implemented, where necessary, by all practitioners and managers working with children or young people who are missing from Home or Care.
It was drafted on behalf of the Walsall Safeguarding Children Board, which agreed the Protocol in June 2009 and updated it in December 2010, February 2011 and January 2012.
The most effective assessment and support comes through good information sharing, joint assessments of need, joint planning, professional trust within the interagency network and joint action in partnership with families.
Walsall Safeguarding Children Board expects all agencies working with children or young people who are missing from Home or Care, to implement this Protocol and ensure that all relevant staff are aware of it and how to use it. It should be used in all new contacts with children and young people.
If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk, this should be reported without delay to the police service as a 999 emergency and a referral be made to the Initial Response Team at the Quest. The telephone number is 01922 658170. A telephone referral should be followed up with a written referral form (WSCB1) within 48 hours. The referral form is available online and is an appendix to this manual (click here for form WSCB1).
This protocol responds to the DCSF Statutory Guidance on Children who Run Away and Go Missing from Home or Care (2009).
1. Introduction and Background
Going missing is a dangerous activity. A child or young person who goes missing just once faces the same immediate risks as faced by a child or young person who regularly goes missing. However, children who go missing when they are young (and/or more frequently) are more likely to face longer-term problems.
The following procedure has been created to provide a joined up multi agency response to children and young people who are missing or have gone missing from home or care.
Research has shown that every year approximately 77,000 under 16 year olds go missing overnight in England. Peak ages for going missing are between 13 and 16 years old and a quarter are under 11 years old (Children's Society, Still Running 1999/ Social Exclusion Unit (SEU), 2002).
Why children go missing
The Children's Society through its research has identified the following risk factors that can precede a missing incident:
- Arguments and conflicts;
- Poor family relationships;
- Physical and emotional abuse - Domestic Violence / Abuse;
- Step parent issues;
- Boundaries and control.
The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is key to assisting agencies to identify and respond effectively to these risk factors and going missing should be seriously considered as a possible outcome, and appropriate support put in place to prevent any potential missing incidents. Click here for further information about Walsall’s Child Concern Model and CAF.
The immediate risks associated with going missing include:
- No means of support or legitimate income - leading to high risk activities;
- Involvement in criminal activities;
- Victim of abuse;
- Victim of crime, for example through sexual assault and exploitation;
- Alcohol/substance misuse;
- Deterioration of physical and mental health;
- Missing out on schooling and education;
- Increased vulnerability.
Longer-term risks include:
- Long-term drug dependency / alcohol dependency;
- Crime;
- Homelessness;
- Disengagement from education;
- Child sexual exploitation;
- Poor physical and/or mental health.
The introduction of parenting work has significantly improved the comprehensive intervention on offer and parents report this has reduced the number of runaway incidents.
Any missing episode is potentially serious, one runaway is one too many. Therefore prevention work relating to children going missing is of paramount importance. The prevention of children and young people going missing requires an integrated multi agency approach to vulnerable children and young people. Existing prevention strategies will need to include the prevention of children going missing from home and care and will include:
- Awareness and training for all professionals
- Awareness and safety sessions for young people via curriculum opportunities
- Multi agency assessment procedures, including Child Concern and CAF, should include the risk indicators for running away
- Consistent implementation of this protocol across all agencies
- Monitoring and reporting of missing from home incidents
- Support to parents via the Parenting Strategy for Walsall
Every individual has a duty to inform the authorities if a child is missing.
Partnership working, information sharing, problem solving and performance management best achieve effective interventions. When using the protocol, consideration should be given to links and connections with other processes in Walsall for identifying and supporting vulnerable children including, targeted youth support panel, children missing education, children who miss health appointments, DETER Panel and Channel Panel.
2. Scope
The protocol is designed for:
- All children and young people under 18 who go missing from the parental home in Walsall;
- Children living in Private Fostering arrangements;
- Children and young people Looked After by Walsall Council placed in Local Authority Residential Homes within the authority's boundaries;
- Children and young people Looked After by Walsall Council placed with foster carers within the authority's boundaries;
- Children and young people Looked After by Walsall Council placed in private establishments or with agency foster carers within the Local Authority boundaries and where compliance with the protocol is specified in the contract or placement agreement.
Please note:
- In circumstances where Walsall children who are Looked After by Walsall Council and are placed in other Local Authorities go missing, a discussion will need to take place between the child’s social worker or designated Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Walsall Street Teams about the most appropriate way to ascertain the child’s needs and feelings, relating to the missing episode, this may also include the use of the Children's Society;
- Children who are placed by other Local Authorities in Walsall and go missing in the borough remain the responsibility of their home (placing) Local Authority. It is expected that prior to their placement in Walsall, a risk assessment will be undertaken, which should include consideration of the possibility of the child running away. In practice these children will usually be offered a return interview by Walsall Street Teams and pertinent information shared with their home authority in order to influence planning for their care.
3. Definitions
The following definitions apply to this protocol and relate to children and young people under 18 years old who go or have gone missing. The definition of running away is taken from the SEU Young Runaways Report (2002) and includes reference to young people who self-define running away as being forced to leave because, for example, they do not believe they have any alternative.
- Missing Person - ACPO Definition: "A missing person is anyone whose whereabouts are unknown, whatever the circumstances of disappearance. He or she will be considered missing until located and his or her well-being, or otherwise, established";
- Runaway; A child or young person, who is absent from their home or placement without permission for any length of time where their age and experience, background and ability make this a concern or who has been forced to leave by their parents or carers;
- Looked After: A child is looked after by a local authority if s/he is"in care" by reason of a court order, or if s/he is provided with accommodation for more than 24 hours by agreement with her/his parents or with the child if s/he is aged 16 or more;
- Accommodated: A child is accommodated if the Local Authority looks after him or her with the voluntary agreement of his/her parents, or with the child if s/he is over 16 years old;
- Child: A child or young person under the age of eighteen years;
- Police SPOC: Single Point of Contact;
- Unauthorised absence: Absent for a short period of time and after a careful and thorough risk assessment the absence does not raise concern for their immediate safety or that of the public. In accordance with the ACPO Manual of Guidance 2005 this period of absence should not exceed 6 hours;
- Absconded: When a child or young person has gone missing who is subject to legal orders such as secure orders. Police must be made aware of the order under which the child has been placed in the residence and the expiry date of the order for the child to be classified as an absconder. If the expiry date of the order is not known, the child or young person will be classified as a "missing person" NOT an absconder.
Also see Appendix 2 - Categories of Absence for Children and Young People who go Missing from Care for definitions of absence categories for children who go missing from care.
4. Missing from Home
All children who go missing from home should be reported to the Police.
Running away should be seen as an indicator of underlying problems which may need further intervention. Some young people who run away from home will be Children in Need and therefore entitled to services provided by the Local Authority or local voluntary agencies.
If the child’s needs are not immediately obvious or if the child has additional needs, a CAF may be particularly useful. In these cases, the CAF can help identify other services that should be involved with the child/parent.
Parents (and carers) are expected to undertake the following basic measures to try and locate their child if considered safe to do so;
- Search bedroom / house / outbuildings / vehicles;
- Contact known friends and relatives where the child/young person may be;
- Visit locations that the child is known to frequent, if it is safe to do so.
West Midlands Police will then conduct a missing persons’ enquiry.
When a missing child is located by family or friends etc, it is their responsibility to return the child to the home address. Where a risk is present, a police officer may accompany the family or the police may be requested to collect and return the child/young person to the place of residence. Parents must inform the police when a child returns of their own accord.
Upon return, Walsall Street Teams will undertake an independent return interview for all children who go missing. This is to ensure that young people who run away are offered the chance to talk to someone independent on their return.
Upon receiving a notification for a runaway / missing episode, Walsall Street Teams will make contact with the young person within 3 working days and will offer the child/young person an independent interview to assess their needs with regard to advice, information and support.
If the child is considered to fall within level 2 of the Child Concern Framework then consultation must take place with the appropriate agencies and Child Concern meetings and CAF undertaken as appropriate.
Where there are urgent child protection concerns, these will be reported immediately to Walsall Children’s Social Care via the Initial Response Service.
If the child or young person is currently working with Children’s Social Care, Walsall Street Teams will share appropriate information with the Lead Social Worker.
When Missing Person is Located or Returns (Missing from Home)
It will be necessary to consider when the child is located:
- Will the child return to the previous home address?
- How will s/he be conveyed there?
- Do the Police wish to interview the child before s/he is returned to the placement?
- How / when will Walsall Street Teams undertake the independent return interview?
If there are concerns of safety or public order difficulties, the police will assist in the recovery and return of a child. Otherwise, the child’s staff/carers should make arrangements for his/her return.
Detention in a police station overnight shall not be regarded as a satisfactory arrangement.
The Police will conduct a “Safe and Well” check for ALL children reported missing. At this time they will obtain consent for Walsall Street Teams to contact the child/young person. If consent is not given this should be respected.
Parents and carers must be immediately informed that the child/young person has been found. When the child is located by agencies other than the Police, or returns to their home address, the attending adult (parent/guardian/carer) is to notify the Police of the child’s return (and location) without delay.
The locating agency will remind the child and the parent/carer that they will be spoken to by the police, the purpose of this interview being to confirm their well-being, and to discover whether they have been the victim of any crimes whilst missing.
The locating agency should ensure that on the child's return, his/her medical condition is discussed with the child and his/her parents/carers immediately, and an offer made to arrange medical attention if necessary. A medical examination would be particularly beneficial for very young children and those with communication difficulties.
If any information is gathered during the course of enquiries which indicates a child/young person is at risk on their return home, the Police and Children’s Social Care must be informed immediately, so that they may take appropriate action.
A risk assessment should be carried out by Police (and Social Worker) to ensure that it is safe for the child to return to their home.
The police officer will send a notification form to Walsall Council (Paris Team) advising of the child's return, they should also obtain the child's consent for Walsall Street Teams to contact the young person or family and undertake an independent return interview within 72 working hours (Appendix 3).
In order to help prevent further runaway episodes and after careful consideration of the individual young person’s issues, a restorative justice approach may be adopted and a family meeting convened. This has proved particularly effective for children missing from home.
5. Quick Reference Guide Flowcharts - Missing from Home Address
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide Flowchart - Missing from Home Address
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide Flowchart – Return Procedures Missing from Home
6. Missing from Care
This protocol requires all care providers, both Local Authority and private sector, to inform the local police of any new children's homes being established within Divisional Boundaries prior to the placement therein of any children and young people. This will enable local policing procedures/policies to be prepared should children subsequently be reported missing from such an address.
Responsibilities of the alerter
When a child or young person goes missing from care it is expected that their carer(s) will act in their capacity as a 'good parent'. This means that:
- When a child or young person is reported missing, the Local Authority and the police have a joint responsibility for protecting the wellbeing of the individual. The act of reporting a child missing to the police does not absolve the carers from their duty of care to the individual, and carers must take proactive steps to trace the child's whereabouts;
- Children/young people must not be reported missing as a behaviour management tool.
Every reasonable effort will be made to locate the child/young person prior to them being reported to the police and throughout the length of the enquiry. This should include local searches, and making early contact with family and friends to establish his/her location where possible but not if this puts themselves or others at risk.
The Care Plan
Prior to each accommodation arrangement for a looked after child, the social worker must consider within the care planning process all potential risks to the child including an assessment of the potential for them to go missing. The child and her/his parent/carer (if appropriate) should be involved in the assessment and planning process. Missing episodes prior to the child becoming Looked After need to be taken into account during the assessment and care planning. This should also consider:
- The degree and level of risk for the child should they go missing;
- The level of supervision/support offered to the child and the actions to be taken by the foster or residential carer, based on the risk assessment, which can be taken to prevent a child running away;
- The parent, guardians or social worker's advice (where appropriate) on what action they feel should be taken if the child goes missing;
- Any known addresses that the child may frequent;
- Any adults known or involved where the child may be at risk;
- Any peer networks/behaviours where the child may be at risk.
This information should be reviewed and revised, as appropriate, at Progress Meetings, Placement Reviews and Looked After Reviews.
All information should be included in the Placement Plan and in the child's Care Plan. As part of this assessment it may be appropriate for Walsall Council to consult with the police to share information that may be of relevance.
Risk Assessment
Individual risk assessments are an essential part of this protocol. They will enable staff/carers to be clear what the risks are for the particular child or young person and/or the risks they pose for the public.
When a child/ young person goes missing, the Local Authority will decide upon which category of absence applies to the child or young person. Staff will use the Missing Person Risk Assessment - Form A (see Appendix 1 - Missing Person Risk Assessment Form A) to assist in making this decision and to assess the level of risk for the child.The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) should always be informed by the social worker (or Residential Home / Foster Carer at weekends and Out Of Hours) of all those who are missing for a period of 24 hours.
If the child or young person has gone missing from foster care and a missing from home risk assessment has not been completed in advance, then the foster carer must contact the child's social worker/duty social worker or EDT (if it is out of hours), who will assist completion of the risk assessment and advise on reporting the child/young person to the Police.
Child in Care Missing/Absent on External Activity
If a child goes missing during an external activity arranged by the residential home (or in an analogous situation), the person in charge of the activity will:
- Notify the local Police in that area;
- Notify a senior manager at the residential home;
- Institute a local search if staffing levels permit.
The senior manager at the residential home will be responsible for ensuring that the general procedures in relation to a missing child are followed.
The senior manager of the home and the person in charge of the external activity will decide whether the party should return to the home, and when.
The residential home will need to maintain communication with the local Police where the absence occurred.
Photographs
Should a child/ young person go missing it is vital to the safe recovery of the child that a recent photograph of the child is made available. The photograph must be a good likeness of the child/young person, and the date the photograph was taken should be endorsed on the back of it to identify its relevance to the enquiry. The photograph will be used by the police to help them identify the child or young person whilst conducting enquiries. In very serious cases, where the child is believed to be at severe risk, the police and local authority may decide to use the photograph more widely, including publishing the photograph in the national or local media, and circulation on the Police / ICMEC Missing Kids website.
On admission to care, the consent of a person with Parental Responsibility will be sought for a photograph to be used in any subsequent missing person investigation. If possible the consent of the child/ young person should also be gained.
The children's home manager/foster carer should consider the most appropriate ways to meet the above requirements and should ensure that the child/young person is made aware of what will happen if they go missing, including their right to be interviewed by an independent person on or prior to their return, and be given a choice as to who that may be. They should be given information leaflets and contact details of advocacy services/other services that they can access or that can be accessed on their behalf.
Reporting and Responding to Risk
When it is discovered that a child has absented him/herself without permission from a placement, staff will refer to the young person's individual risk assessment in considering whether the young person is "unauthorised absent" or "missing" as defined by these procedures (see Section 3, Definitions). In cases of doubt the home manager or manager on call will be consulted. Appendix 2 - Categories of Absence for Children and Young People who go Missing from Care defines the categories of absence for children who go missing from care.
The fact that the young person may have gone missing on a number of previous occasions does not reduce the risk. In fact, children who repeatedly go missing are often being enticed away from their placement by activities that they see as exciting or by predatory influences. Furthermore, short absences may be as risky as lengthy ones.
However, at some point, depending upon the child and the circumstances, the young person's absence will give rise to justifiable concern and require a formal missing person report to the police. Whilst there can be no substitute for a considered judgement, based on a sound assessment of the young person and the circumstances, it is the purpose of this framework to assist carers to structure their thinking with regard to the two categories of absence.
Reporting
The decision to report a child as missing should not be taken in isolation, staff should consult with the senior staff member on duty and foster carers should liaise with the young person's social worker or Emergency Duty Team staff. Any decision should incorporate information from the child/young person's risk assessment. The situation should be kept under constant review and changes in circumstances taken into account. If the young person is receiving support from CAMHS professionals, Educational Psychologists and so on, it may be advisable to discuss the case with them. However, if they are not readily available a decision must be made on the basis of the best available information. In cases of doubt it may also be appropriate to discuss the case with a local police supervisor.
Each case must be decided on merit and a formal missing person report to the police may be actioned earlier in some circumstances than in others. For a small number of young people, it may be appropriate to immediately report them as a missing person. Normally this will have been previously agreed as part of the Care Plan because of the young person's vulnerability.
If the absence is considered to fall within these procedures the relevant staff member, i.e. child's social worker, duty social worker, Emergency Duty Team social worker, residential care worker, will as soon as practical inform:
- The child/young person's parents/and those with Parental Responsibility; and
- The Police.
Responding
Where, initially, the decision was made that this absence does not fall within this procedure (i.e. an unauthorised absence) this decision will be reviewed every hour throughout the period of unauthorised absence (to a maximum of 6 hours) if the child does not return or his/her whereabouts are not known.
If such a period of absence continues for 6 hours it will automatically be considered to fall within these procedures. NB: This is the maximum period; and in most situations much shorter periods will be appropriate.
If during a period of unauthorised absence, the informant becomes aware of the location of the missing person, he/she should make every effort to have the missing person return to the place of residence without police involvement, unless there are safety issues, in which case a report should be made to the Police.
If the child or young person is subject to a Care Order, and refuses to return voluntarily with the agent of the care provider, then Police assistance may be requested.
If the child or young person is Accommodated, then a risk assessment is to be undertaken in consultation with the Local Authority, and if police attendance is warranted, the use of Police Protection is to be considered if there is an immediate risk present. The use of Police Protection should be jointly considered by the Police and Children's Services. If the missing person is in no immediate risk, the Police should liaise with the carers/Children's Services regarding any further action.
Whilst notifying the police of the absence of a child or young person is an essential part of the overall process, having done so does not absolve carers of their corporate parenting responsibilities for the child, and such carers should take all necessary actions to attempt to locate the missing person, including where possible, searches of the missing person's room within the residence, immediate searches of the local area, and making contact with the missing person's family and friends to establish if the missing person is with them, or has been seen since by them since the time that the person was identified as being absent.
Walsall Street Teams will ensure that young people who run away are offered the chance to talk to someone independent on their return.
Upon receiving a notification for a young runaway, Walsall Street Teams will make contact with the young person within 3 working days and will offer the child/young person an independent interview to assess their needs with regard to advice, information and support.
Where there are urgent child protection concerns, these will be reported immediately to the young person’s social worker. Information will also be shared at the child’s Looked After Review as appropriate.
When Missing Person is Located or Returns (Missing from Care)
It will be necessary to consider when the child is located:
- Will the child return to the previous placement / home address?
- How will s/he be conveyed there?
- Do the Police wish to interview the child before s/he is returned to the placement / residence?
- How / when will Street Teams undertake the independent return interview?
If there are concerns of safety or public order difficulties, the police will assist in the recovery and return of a child. Otherwise, the child’s parents/staff/carers should make arrangements for his/her return.
Detention in a police station overnight shall not be regarded as a satisfactory arrangement.
The Police will conduct a “Safe and Well” check for ALL children reported missing. At this time they will obtain consent for Walsall Street Teams to contact the child/young person.
Parents and carers must be immediately informed that the child/young person has been found. When the child is located by agencies other than the Police, or returns to their home address, the attending adult (parent/guardian/carer) is to notify the Police of the child’s return (and location) without delay.
The locating agency will remind the child and the parent / carer that they will be spoken to by the police, the purpose of this interview being to confirm their well-being, and to discover whether they have been the victim of any crimes whilst missing.
The locating agency should ensure that on the child's return, his/her medical condition is discussed with the child and his/her parents/carers immediately, and an offer made to arrange medical attention if necessary. A medical examination would be particularly beneficial for very young children and those with communication difficulties.
If any information is gathered during the course of enquiries which indicates a child/young person is at risk on their return, the Police and Children’s Social Care must be informed immediately, so that they may take appropriate action.
A risk assessment should be carried out by Police (and Social Worker) to ensure that it is safe for the child to return to their placement/parental home.
The police officer will send a notification form advising of the child’s return; they should also obtain the child’s consent for Walsall Street Teams to undertake an independent return interview within 72 working hours (see Appendix 3).
7. Quick Reference Guide Flowcharts - Missing from Care
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide Flowchart - Missing from Care
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide Flowchart – Return Procedures Missing from Care
Children and Young People in Care
In all cases the social worker must visit and meet with the young person alone within two working days of his/her return. Where this is not possible, e.g. the child is placed at a distance from Walsall or the social worker is not available, a team manager may agree that the child is interviewed at a later date, or by an alternative person. The arrangement and reasons for this must be fully recorded. The social worker will ask the young person if they wish to speak to an independent person of their choice e.g. someone from the Children's Society or a Walsall Street Teams worker. If the social worker is not available it is the responsibility of the team manager to arrange the visit. In all cases consideration will be given to the need to convene a Strategy Meeting.
8. Conducting the Missing Person Investigation
West Midlands Police (Walsall)
When reporting an absence, police call handlers in the first instance will want the following information that staff should make available:
- Name of the person missing, include aliases, nicknames;
- Age and date of birth;
- Are they an asylum seeker, if so what is their immigration status?
- Description of the person: (Include gender and ethnicity);
- Description of clothing;
- Home address (if the person is in the care of an external agency does the protocol apply?);
- Location missing from if different from above;
- Circumstances of going missing;
- Are there cultural issues? E.g. possible Honour Crime;
- Is the behaviour out of character?
- Has this happened before and details of previous incidents?
- Details of any vehicle or transport used;
- Name, address and telephone number of person reporting;
- Mobile phone number/s of missing person;
- Have they access to money/ cash point / credit cards?
- Details of any medication / illness e.g. depression, dementia, Alzheimer's;
- Has the location from which they went missing from and home address been searched?
- Identify dangers in the immediate vicinity especially for vulnerable young missing persons e.g. ponds, rivers;
- Are photographs available? It is advised that photographs are taken regularly especially if the hairstyle/ colour has been changed.
Upon receiving a report of a child or young person being absent from care or missing from home, West Midlands Police will carry out enquiries (which are proportionate to the perceived risk) aimed at locating the child/young person as soon as possible.
Whilst missing, persons aged under 18 years are automatically classified as "Vulnerable Missing Persons". However, this is NOT an indication of risk.
A risk assessment will be carried out for each individual on every separate occasion they are reported missing to the Police. This risk assessment, conducted by the Initial Investigating Officer, and subsequently confirmed or revised by his or her supervising officer will form the basis for the subsequent investigation into the person's disappearance.
The risk assessment for Children's Services Social Care and the Police have been aligned and a copy can be found in Appendix 1 - Missing Person Risk Assessment Form A.
When a police officer arrives to obtain further details, this role is investigative and is not simply the recording of details for the missing person report. Any judgements that are made at this stage will have a significant effect on the progress of the investigation.
The Police will:
- Establish the facts, gather sufficient information about the missing person for an effective investigation and informed decision making. Where appropriate they will consider using the services of interpreters or language-line to assist information gathering;
- Establish the family composition, history, any previous police or other agency involvement with the family. Have they gone missing before, whether or not reported to the police?
- Establish the last sighting of the child and the circumstances of the disappearance are crucial. Do not delay any action required to facilitate the immediate recovery of the missing child. Seek assistance to complete urgent enquiries/actions where this may be critical for the safe return of the missing child.
In addition to the points asked initially by the police call handler, officers will further ask about:
- Details of any travel pass that the child may have;
- Details of savings accounts;
- Family addresses;
- Known acquaintances;
- Any previous history of absconding;
- Name and phone number of social worker;
- Details of any court order;
- Name and address of child's GP and dentist;
- Any circumstances which might increase the risk to the child.
The officer/s will also obtain statements from the reporting person and relevant witnesses and will
- Complete Form WG428;
- Obtain a recent photograph. The informant should sign the rear of the photograph to endorse its validity, include the name of the missing person, date of birth if known and the approximate date the photograph was taken;
- Obtain permission for publicity and make sure that the WG428 is endorsed accordingly;
- Conduct a thorough search of the place missing from and its surroundings;
- Conduct a search even if carers have already done so. Include all rooms, cupboards and furniture where a person could hide or could have been hidden, attics, cellars, outhouses, garages, garden, grounds and all vehicles. Any area which is not searched due to lack of ready access will be recorded for action/review by a supervisory officer;
- See and obtain a copy of any Care Orders. This could be helpful in determining police action and powers should the person be traced;
- Hand the last page of the WG428 'Information for the Family/ Person Reporting' to the person who is the point of contact for the police;
- Consider the possibility that the child / young person may have been admitted to hospital unconscious or given false details, they may also give false details if taken into custody.
Police Risk Definitions
| RISK | DEFINITION |
| High | The risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the subject is in danger through their own vulnerability , or may have been the victim of a serious crime, or the risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the public is in danger. |
| Medium | The risk posed is likely to place the subject in danger, or they are a threat to themselves or others. |
| Low | There is no apparent risk of danger to either the subject or the public. |
Click here for the Police Initial Investigation Flowchart
9. Intervention Strategies
All agencies will operate an escalating system of interventions to reduce the likelihood of a child repeatedly going missing.
Intervention meetings should take place in the event of repeat episodes of children going missing from home and care. These meetings should have clearly identified purpose and attendance. The meeting should be held within a week of any the following trigger episodes. The meetings should be chaired and recorded and the increased levels of concern reflected in the seniority of those attending as follows or incorporated into other processes such as Strategy Meetings or Looked After Reviews. After the first intervention meeting for a Looked After Child, if the threshold is reached for a second time, a Looked After Review should be called instead.
Three missing episodes within a 30 day period or one episode of three or more days:
| Children and young people who are Looked After, have a Child Protection Plan or Child in Need Plan | Other children and young people |
| A meeting should be called and possible attendees to be considered are: social worker, local police officer, residential worker/ foster carer /parent, school representative, Walsall Street Teams worker, Integrated Young People’s Support Services. | If the child is not known to Children's Social Care, the Child Concern process will be evoked by Walsall Street Teams. This Meeting will therefore become a Child Concern meeting (with parental consent) or a Professionals Meeting (without consent). CARE panel should be advised of the Child Concern Meeting for information purposes. If following the meeting the risks to the child are considered to be ‘level 3’ a referral to the Initial Response Service will follow. |
These meetings should try to identify any ‘push’ or ‘pull’ factors as well as any other agencies that could provide support. In the case of ‘pull factors’ it may be necessary to target those in the community who harbour the missing person or exploit them with regards to crime, sex or drugs. The meeting should also establish which other agencies are already involved in working with the child/young person and what can be done to prevent further runaway episodes.
Seven missing episodes within a 30 day period or one episode of 7 days or more:
| Children and young people who are Looked After, have a Child Protection Plan or Child in Need Plan | Other children and young people |
| These meetings will be chaired by one of the nominated Independent Reviewing Officers for Missing Children. Other attendees may include: team manager from Children’s Services, Police Sgt, Children’s Home manager/family placement manager (as appropriate), parent/carer, representative from health and/or education and Walsall Street Teams worker, Integrated Young People’s Support Services Manager. | The nature of these missing episodes would place the child at level 3 of the Child Concern Model and therefore a referral should be made to the Initial Response Service. The nominated Independent Reviewing Officers for Missing Children would then chair an intervention meeting. |
Meetings at this level should only be required for a small number of children provided that the protocol has been followed with regard to earlier intervention meetings and return interviews. In addition to seeking to reduce future missing episodes and reduce any apparent risks to the child, this meeting should also quality-assure compliance with the protocol and the efficiency of earlier intervention meetings and return interviews. It is recognised that there will be some children who go missing repeatedly within a short period of time where this level of intervention will immediately apply. Walsall Street Teams will inform the Initial Response Service and the IRO’s when this threshold is reached and information from these meetings will be shared with the strategic CARE Panel.
If the child is still missing, there should be further discussions between the senior managements of all the relevant agencies. This is to review the action taken, agree further actions including a debrief of the person when found and proposals to prevent a reoccurrence if appropriate.
All Police missing person’s lists will remain “live” until the person is traced. If the missing person has not been located after 6 months, a Senior Investigating Officer will review the file, after consultation with the OCU Operations Manager. As part of that review process the Head of Safeguarding (Children’s Services) should satisfy him/herself on the actions taken by all agencies in the attempt to recover the child.
Other risk factors demanding escalated interventions include:
- Any case where the risks involved in even a single future missing episode is very high;
- Cases where it has been identified that immediate action is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of the person.
10. Additional Procedures Common to Missing from Home and Care
10.1 Publicity / Media Strategy
It is the responsibility of the Police to advise the media regarding any missing child or young person.
Whether the child or young person is missing from public sector or private care providers, the decision to publicise via the press and/or television will always be made in consultation with the child's social worker and the Assistant Director, Children's Specialist Services. However, West Midlands Police reserve the right to publicise the child if there are serious concerns for the welfare of that child.
Such publicity will be arranged at local level, by direction of the Divisional Commander (or nominee). Prior to any publicity, the child's social worker will be informed in order to allow the parents to be informed.
Additionally the police will automatically inform the "Missing People" charity of all High risk missing persons within 4 hours of them being reported, Medium risk missing persons within 72 hours of them being reported, and Low risk missing persons within 14 days of them being reported.
The police may also utilise the website facility of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (Missing Kids Website) to publicise the child or young person.
10.2 When A Young Person Returns
Once the child or young person has been located, the police will carry out a (Police) Return Interview – Safe and Well check. It will not be conducted over the telephone, and it must only be conducted by an appropriately trained police officer. Return interviews are not to be conducted by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
If there are immediate concerns please see both flowcharts for guidance and actions to be taken.
Where any child or young person has indicated a wish to speak to an independent professional, the Police will ensure referral details are passed to Walsall Street Teams in accordance with the notification procedure (see Appendix 3 - Young Runaways Notification e-Form).
Where a child/young person has gone missing from their family home for 3 or more occasions the Police may call a Strategy Meeting to discuss further actions required.
If there are already concerns in existence relating to the care establishment that the child or young person has been absent from, or their home circumstances, the police officer must highlight such concerns to the Public Protection Unit (PPU) / Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) who will submit the WSCB1 referral form to the Initial Response Service.
Where children missing from home or care are identified outside of their home authority, the “receiving” and the home authority will need to negotiate so that the child or young person may be linked back into appropriate local services. This includes an independent return interview by Walsall Street Teams.
11. Information Sharing
All young people will be advised of the need to share information and will be reassured that none of their personal data will be shared with partner organisations without their agreement and consent, subject to the exceptions contained in statutory legislation - see Information Sharing and Confidentiality Procedure.
12. Requests for Additional Support
The return interview may indicate that the child and family require additional support to meet the child's needs and prevent further episodes. The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) will assist with identifying additional needs and ensuring a support package is in place to reduce the risk of future episodes.
NB - If the CAF indicates the child may be at risk of Significant Harm, the Referrals Procedure will apply.
13. Sexual Exploitation
Staff/carers should be alert to the possibility of sexual exploitation of children. If a child is missing/absent and considered to be at risk of sexual exploitation, s/he is deemed to be vulnerable and should be reported to the Police and others.
This is a sensitive issue and the risk of wrongly labelling a child is clearly an issue. However, this should not deter staff/carers from raising and discussing their concerns.
If a child is continually missing from home staff/carers should remain vigilant and record any incidents of concern, including:
- Any available description of the possible Coercer or Abuser;
- Any telephone numbers frequently being used or passed on by others;
- Registration numbers of vehicles continually visiting the home or that regularly return missing children to the home.
Staff/carers who observe suspicious adults or suspicious vehicles should not approach either if there are concerns for their safety. Record information that is observable, staff should not place themselves or others at risk.
All relevant information should be passed to the police for further checks to be made, and all information should be forwarded for discussion at the CARE Panel: see Protocol for Joint Working with Young People at Risk of Sexual Exploitation and Appendix 5, CARE Panel Flowchart.
14. Monitoring
Walsall Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB) will ensure that children missing from home or care remain a priority for Walsall by having an oversight of the following:
- Implementation of "missing from home and care" protocols and procedures;
- Reporting information about patterns of absence among looked after children to the Director of Children's Services and to Councillors responsible for "corporate parenting";
- Regular reports will be presented to a multi-agency steering group from the Paris Team and Walsall Street Teams about children and young people who go missing in the borough;
- Any issues/concerns will be raised to the WSCB via twice yearly reports, or more frequently if needed.
15. Glossary
| ACPO | Association of Chief Police Officers |
| Absconder | See Definitions, Absconded |
| CAF | Common Assessment Framework |
| CAIU | Child Abuse Investigation Unit (Police) |
| CAMHS | Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services |
| CARE | Children At Risk of Exploitation Panel |
| CSE | Child Sexual Exploitation |
| DfE | Department for Education |
| DCSF | Department of Children, Schools and Families |
| DoH | Department Of Health |
| EDT | Emergency Duty Team |
| LSCB | Local Safeguarding Children Board |
| Looked After | See Definitions, Looked After |
| Missing Person | See Definitions, Missing Person |
| PACE | Police And Criminal Evidence (Act 1984) |
| PNMPB | Police National Missing Person Bureau (New Scotland Yard) London |
| PPU | Public Protection Unit (Police) |
| Runaway | See Definitions, Runaway |
| SEU | Social Exclusion Unit |
| SMT | Senior Management Team (Police) |
| WSCB | Walsall Safeguarding Children Board |
| WT | Working Together 2010 |
Appendix 1 - Forms
Click here for Missing Person Risk Assessment Form A
Click here for Missing Person Reporting Checklist Form B
Click here for Progress/Monitoring Sheet regarding Missing Children Form C
Click here for Referral Information for the Emergency Response Service Form D
Appendix 2 - Categories of Absence for Children and Young People who go Missing from Care
Unauthorised absence |
Usual action |
Absence for a short period of time Sometimes it may be known or suspected where the child/ young person might be |
|
| Missing | Usual action |
Concern includes where the child/young person's location is unknown and/or the reason for absence is unknown and there is cause for concern because of their vulnerability or there is a potential danger to the public |
|
| Absconded | Usual action |
For example where the child/young person is considered missing and is also looked after as a result of a court order |
|
After assessing risk, you must now agree the category of absence. This decision should be taken in consultation with the on-call manager or accountable social worker or EDT worker, as it will determine what action will be taken.
If a child or young person is in care and on unauthorised absence, the agreed interval of six hours before reporting to the police should be seen as a maximum. In many cases a shorter period would be appropriate.
If the child or young person does not return within the agreed interval and there is no additional information that reduces risk, or if there is information that increases risk, the child or young person needs to be reclassified as missing/absconded, and necessary action taken.
This decision should be taken in consultation with the on-call manager or EDT social worker.
Appendix 3: Young Runaways Notification e-Form
Click here for Young Runaways Notification e-Form
Appendix 4: Offences in Relation to Missing Children
Click here for Offences in Relation to Missing Children
Appendix 5: CARE Panel - Flowchart
Click here for CARE Panel - Flowchart
End