1. Alison Watson e:Alison_watson@shelter.org.uk t: 0844 515 2452
Police Scotland and Shelter Scotland: Partnership in Practice Safe and Sound
Alison Watson t:

2. Aims of Safe and Sound
Better functioning families and improved housing solutions for young people
Young people will have improved community engagement
Statutory and voluntary organisations will have better understanding of the homelessness issues and housing needs of young people.

3. In doing so we ensure:
Young People at risk of leaving home in an unplanned way will have the skills and support to reduce their risk of homelessness;
Young People at risk of leaving home in an unplanned way and their families at risk of relationship breakdown, will have increased skills to reduce conflict and improve family relations;
Young people at risk of leaving home in an unplanned way will have the support and skills to progress to positive activity linked to citizenship, community, self-development, education, employment and training & Partnerships will continue to be developed and strengthened;
Statutory and voluntary organisations in the Programme Areas will have increased awareness of housing and homelessness issues for young people.

4. Running Away & Homelessness
The rate of homelessness amongst young people is double that of over 25s
Nearly 50% of young homeless people reported having run away during childhood
1 in 6 runaways are physically or sexually assaulted whilst running away
28% of runaways have slept rough
68% of young runaways are not reported to the police

5. Referrals
55% of young people who engaged with us stated they had run away prior to being referred to Safe & Sound - 54% of these young people were 16 or under at time of referral.
55% of all referrals are as a result of a formal Missing Person Police enquiry.
55% of the young people we have worked with are females, compared to 45% who are male.
25% have run away before.
In 7% of cases, our screening processes identify children who are at risk of or are being sexually exploited.

6. Outcomes
In over 70% of cases, the young person or child remains at home.
50% of young people reduce their need for crisis homelessness services.
75% are demonstrating positive progress against SHANARRI indicators.
And 70% of the young people we have supported evidence progress towards engagement in more positive relationships & activities.

7. Delivery Model
Having positive relationships is central in young people’s ability to thrive
Wide range of underlying problems, including mental health issues, substance misuse, physical health issues, anger, sexuality, education, peer relationships, bullying and physical, emotional and sexual abuse
Need to be responsive to rapidly changing circumstances and needs

8. Flexibility, Responsiveness & ‘Stickability’
Person-centred and highly flexible approach
Need for informality, honesty, responsiveness
Being prepared to adapt and change the way the service is provided
Development of formal and informal partnerships to address full range of needs

9. Information Sharing Protocol
Police Scotland
Information Sharing Protocol
“Going missing is a red flag that something is wrong and often the point where we become involved. Whilst our main priority is to find young people who are missing and possibly in danger, our responsibilities also include making them safe through appropriate referrals to support services or projects such as Safe and Sound. “That’s why we continue to value our close working relationship with the Safe and Sound project who work to address the issues that cause a young person to put themselves at risk.” Inspector Mark Duncan, Safer Communities, Police Scotland

10. Return Home Welfare Interviews
Improve engagement by reducing formality & using independent advocacy organisation
Psychologically informed
Joint focus on highest risk cases
Tailored & person- centred
Careful consideration of language & venue
Clear position on confidentiality
Follow-up support
Screening for Child Sexual Exploitation

11. Final Thoughts Return Interviews as key to prevention
View Running Away as intentional – why did the young person make this decision?
Return Interviews need to be linked to follow-up support – empower young people to make more positive choices