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A young person is to be considered ‘missing’ if they are absent from care without permission, causing concern for the safety of the young person and/or others. When admitted to care, young persons must be advised of the Unit’s responsibilities in relation to unauthorised absences. Such absences are those where staff have no indication that a young person is likely to return within a short period of time or where there is immediate concern for their safety [taking into account their age, maturity, history, behavioural patterns etc].

Actions

Once a young person is deemed ‘missing’ residential staff must inform as soon as practical the following; (whether the child is subject to Care Order or Sect. 20 accommodation).

• The Police
• The Social worker
• The parents/ those with parental responsibility
• The Unit or on-call Manager

Any unauthorised absence lasting 24 hours should be reported to the Service Manager.

Child Protection procedures must be initiated for any unauthorised absence lasting 48 hours.

Police should be advised of the possibility that a young person ‘missing’ may be motivated by abuse within the unit.

Recording

A written record of each young person’s ‘missing’ episode must be kept including all actions taken. Such record should be entered in the young person’s case file and the Unit’s logbook. A copy should be forwarded to the Social Worker.

The Unit Manager should also maintain a monthly log of ‘missing’ episodes and forward a copy to the Service Manager.