It's vital that you provide the Police with as much information as possible, for example:
- a description of the missing person
- when they were last seen and by whom
- a recent photograph
- addresses of family members
- known acquaintances
- any previous history of absconding
- the name and address of their doctor and dentist
- any changes in behaviour
- any relevant circumstances which increase the risk to the missing person.
Children looked after (in care)
If a child or young person who lives with foster carers or in a children's home is absent without permission, they are considered 'missing'. This is usually when the carer(s) or staff have no indication that they are likely to come home within a short period of time, or where there is immediate concern for their safety, due to things like their age, maturity, a history of absconding, etc.
We have an agreed protocol of action to be taken when a child or young person in care goes missing. If a child you are fostering has gone missing, you should contact his or her social worker, who will then initiate immediate action. Outside office hours, you should phone the emergency duty social worker.
Missing from school
The Education Welfare Service can help pupils, parents and schools when a child is missing from school because of issues such as bullying, exclusion, truancy, child protection, child employment and children in entertainment.
