1. IF CHILD IS MISSING FROM HOME
IF A CHILD IS MISSING FROM CARE
Foster carer /residential staff/ social worker must report the child missing to the police
Parent / family must report the child missing to the police
ACTIONS FOR ALLOCATED WORKER
-See if child can be located by contacting friends, schools, ringing child's phone etc.
- Inform your manager
Inform Safeguarding service by completing a missing notification form & ing it
Assistant Director if missing subject is a child in care, subject to CP procedures or a high risk case.
Start the ICS missing episode
-Contact Police through 101, if child not reported missing
INITIAL STEPS - ALLOCATED WORKER TO INFORM
The parents/person with parental responsibility, unless not reasonably practicable or would be inconsistent with the child’s welfare.
The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO
Within 24 hours:
Team manager to agree IMMEDIATE STRATEGY MEETING /DISCUSSION AND ACTION PLAN
This should be between relevant parties including allocated children's social care worker, IRO/CP chair, the police and placement staff / carer ( if appropriate)
Between hours:
- Name, date of birth, status, responsible authority
- Where and when they went missing
- Time and location last seen
Anyone they went missing with
- What was the child wearing, any belongings such as bags, phone etc.
- Description and recent photo
- Relevant medical history
- Circumstances or events around going missing
- Details of family, friends and associates including phone numbers and address
- Any risk group and updated risk assessment
Allocated worker to complete Pre Incident risk assessment form & forward to the police
On-going while child is still missing:
ON-GOING LIAISON
Ensure regular liaison and communication between police, any other agencies involved
For long term missing from care monthly strategy meetings/discussions should be held to update the action plan and share information.
HAVE A PLAN FOR WHEN CHILD IS FOUND
Ensure that plans are in place to respond promptly once the child is found and determining whether safe for child to return home / placement remains appropriate
PUBLICITY
(for high risk cases only)
Led by the police. Always inform Head of Safeguarding and Assistant Director immediately a decision is made to use publicity.
Child Found:
ACTIONS FOR ALLOCATED WORKER
Inform Police child has returned and ensure a Safe and Well de-brief has been undertaken
End missing episode on ICS
Request Independent Return interview, complete and submit a referral form (see procedures for guidance)
Inform Safeguarding service by
Inform Assistant Director child has returned/found.
-Consider any services / assessment needed
CHILD FOUND INFORM
-Care staff / foster carers
- IRO
Parents
- Any other concerned professionals