Children missing from home or care Borough Guidance 1
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Children missing from home or careBorough Guidance
3rd Edition.Author: Greg Vaughan, Manager, Education Statutory Services Team15 February 2018
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ContentsTitle Page
No.Paragraph
No.Section 1: Introduction 4 1.0Metropolitan Police Service definition of a missing person 5 1.2Push and Pull Factors 5 1.3Preventing children from going missing from care 6 1.4
Section 2: Reporting a missing child to the police 7 2.0The person making the missing child report 7 2.1Absent not missing 7 2.1.1Suggested actions for foster carers and care home managers to take before reporting a 16 or 17-year-old child as missing
7 2.1.3
Informing the local authority of children who are missing 8 2.2Children placed out of borough by this authority 9 2.3Abductions 9 2.4
Section 3: Missing children – roles and responsibilities 10 3.0The police 10 3.1Local Authority Missing Children Co-ordinator (MCC) 10 3.2Missing children database 10 3.3The daily report of missing children 11 3.4Multi-Agency Sexual Exploitation group (MASE) 14 3.5Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 14 3.6Youth Offending Service 14 3.7The role of schools 15 3.8The role of Health services 15 3.9
Section 4: Actions whilst a child is missing 15 4.0Searching for a missing child 15 4.1If a child in care goes missing 15 4.2The Press 16 4.3The ‘Grab-Bag’ 16 4.4Strategy meetings for children in the care of this authority 17 4.5Missing children who have a child protection plan, or are a child in need 18 4.6Children who do not have an open case with Social Care 18 4.7
Section 5: When a child is found or returns home 18 5.0The return interview 19 5.2The role of the allocated social worker 20 5.3The role of the Children’s Rights Officer (CRO) 20 5.4Children without an allocated worker (FGC&RJ) 20 5.5The role of the Youth Offending Service 20 5.6
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Section 6: Governance 21 6.0Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) 21 6.1Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 21 6.2Annual report on Missing Children, Children Missing from Education and Elective Home Education
21 6.3
Missing Children Strategic Group (MCSG) 21 6.4Training on missing children 21 6.5
Section 7: Safeguarding Risks 22 7.0Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 22 7.1Radicalisation 22 7.2Forced marriage 22 7.3Trafficking 23 7.4Spirit possession 23 7.5Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 23 7.6
Section 8: Voluntary Sector Organisations 24 8.0
Section 9: Children’s homes and 16+ provisions 24 9.0Registered Children’s Homes in Barking and Dagenham 24 9.1List of Registered Children’s Homes and 16+ provisions 24 9.2
AppendicesAppendix 1: Missing Children actions – flowchart 28Appendix 2: Guidance for reporting 16-17-year olds missing from care 29Appendix 3: Child missing from the care of the local authority – Quick Reference Guide
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Appendix 4: Child missing from care or home risk assessment form 31Appendix 5: Missing child who is a Child in Need or has a Child Protection Plan - Quick Reference Guide
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Appendix 6: Return Interview Form 35Appendix 7: Missing Children Strategic Group Terms of Reference 36
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Section 1: Introduction1.1 The purpose of this document is to bring together all aspects of guidance and
procedures on missing children for Barking and Dagenham practitioners.
This guidance explains: the difference between ‘absent’ and ‘missing’; the procedures for dealing with all children who go missing in Barking and
Dagenham, including those in care placed out of borough; the roles and responsibilities of all agencies and how they should work together
to locate and safeguard missing children; how information on missing children is collected and disseminated; the governance of work relating to missing children; the terminology that is used in relation to missing children.
1.1.1
In this document, all below the age of 18 are referred to as children. The term ‘parent(s)’ is taken to encompass carers and legal guardians.
Missing children are potentially vulnerable to significant harm. They are: unlikely to be accessing services that seek to safeguard them; more likely to be drawn into risky behaviours; more likely to have diminished life opportunities because of missing out on
positive educational and social opportunities.
1.1.2
Missing children are particularly at risk of some significant dangers: trafficking; abduction; sexual exploitation; physical assault; homelessness and the additional risks to health and well-being associated with it; severely disrupted and damaged education; misusing substances; criminal activity.
1.1.3
The above risks are magnified for missing children because they are likely to be isolated from protective and stabilising influences in their life.
The safeguarding principles that this document adheres to are:
1) The safety and welfare of the child is paramount;2) Locating and returning the child to a safe environment, and preventing further
episodes of going missing, are the main objectives;3) Child protection procedures must be initiated whenever there are concerns that a
child who is, or was, missing may have suffered, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.
Appendix 1: Missing Children actions – flowchart
1.2 Metropolitan Police Service definition of a missing person4
(Taken from The Metropolitan Police Child Sexual Exploitation Operating Protocol – June 2017).
The definition of missing is: ‘Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established will be considered as missing until located, and their well-being or otherwise confirmed.’
All reports of missing children (age 18 and under) sit within a continuum of risk from ‘no apparent risk (absent)’ through to high-risk cases that require immediate, intensive action.
It is important to understand that the police risk assess each case on merit. Children will no longer be automatically graded as medium risk (as per previous police policy) but risk graded according to the circumstances of the missing episode, taken together with relevant historic information. In each case, the action of the police action will be proportional to the risk.
1.3 Push and pull factorsChildren run away from home, or Care for a variety of reasons. Whatever the cause, going missing indicates that there is likely to be something significantly wrong in their lives and a response must be made quickly to identify the cause and plan a response. Below are some reasons that may contribute towards a child going missing:
1.3.1
Push factors Problems at home, ranging from a specific argument with parents to long-term
abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. Family break-up: young people drawn into their parents’ conflicts or neglected
because of parents focusing more on their own needs. Domestic violence and the desire to get away from it. Parents failing to meet the needs of, or being unable to control, their child. Parents being unable to protect their child due to alcohol, or substance misuse. Bullying at school, or in the local community. Teenage pregnancy - some young women may run away, or are forced to leave
home, because they are pregnant. Mental health problems (usually linked to one, or more of the above). Child in care unhappy with their placement, or unhappy that their placement is
going to change
1.3.2
Pull factors Running away to be near family or friends - this is particularly likely with children
in care. Being encouraged to go missing with a friend, or sibling. This is a recognised
link between missing and CSE. Grooming by adults for sexual exploitation or trafficking. Being involved with a gang.
All adults involved with the child must be vigilant to signs that the child is unhappy and may be planning to go missing. They must speak to the child to try and understand what is wrong, how it can be resolved and then act on this information.
The return interview is a key opportunity to try and stop repeat incidents of going missing, as can placement review meetings for a child in care.
1.4 Preventing children from going missing from careIn Barking and Dagenham, between 25-30% of children who go missing are in our
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Care.Many young people have existing and known risks of going missing from care. Planning must consider these risks and ensure that preventative actions are used in the monitoring framework of the professional network.Prior to each placement of a child, Children’s Services’ staff (placing social workers, residential workers and foster carers) must assess the risks of the child going missing. The points set out under Placement Planning (below) should be considered in the Placement Plan.
1.5 Placement planning1.5.1
MatchingYoung people should be matched to placements that meet their basic needs and address their vulnerability from the point of being placed. This includes consideration of the child’s identity and minimising the risk of making them feel outcast, or different during what is already a difficult event.
1.5.2
PlacingYoung people should be taken to carers in a non-threatening and inviting manner. Meetings should begin with introductions of those living in the placement, tour of the environment and so on.
1.5.3
DiscussingOnce the young person has been introduced to the environment then a supportive discussion of the rules, expectations and boundaries should be undertaken on the same day. This should include clear dialogue on what the young person can negotiate, change, or influence in the placement, what they cannot change, or influence and the reasons why. Final arrangements should be recorded and signed by all parties.
1.5.4
InformingBefore leaving the placement, the young person should be given information on who to contact if they are feeling uncertain, or unhappy for any reason and aren’t ready to trust the carer. It is also important to agree the soonest possible date/time the young person can contact a loved one (family, or friend) to gain reassurance. Carers must also demonstrate that they are clear on what action to take once they have confirmed for themselves that a young person is missing from the arrangements set out.
1.5.5
Placement reviewingInitial meetingsThe Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) should ensure that the above process was undertaken, both in terms of the recording by the social worker and in an independent discussion with the young person prior to the meeting.
1.5.6
Review meetingsThe Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) should ensure that the young person’s voice (statement of wishes and feelings) is adequately supported and given weight in meetings and that the young person has an agreed outlet for expressing their views in placement, in contact, at school, etc. and that the young person knows at least one adult who will listen to them without judgement, or criticism. The IRO should be informed of any long term missing child (3months or more) under their review. Children who often go missing must be identified and plans implemented to stop further occurrences. The more times a child goes missing, the more times they are at risk.
2.0 Section 2: Reporting a missing child to the police
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2.1 The person making the missing child report
The police force where the child was reported missing is responsible for leading on the work to find the child. In exceptional circumstances, i.e. where there is sufficient information that a child is most likely to be found in another area, that responsibility may transfer to another police force.
When children go missing from home, or care, their parents, guardians, foster carers, or the manager of their children’s home must do all they can to locate the child before reporting him/her as missing. The decision when to report a child missing is based on factors such as:
the child has not returned home by a certain time; information that suggests the child has gone missing; being unable to locate, or contact the child;the age of the child, and/or level of vulnerability.
2.1.1
2.1.2
Before making a missing child report, the parent, or carer should search the house and check the child’s bedroom for anything missing i.e. sports
bag; clothing; toiletries; mobile phone; i-Pad/laptop (don’t tidy up and keep the child’s hair brush and toothbrush secure);
try to contact the child on their mobile phone. If contact is made, try to encourage the child to return and obtain as much information as possible;
contact the child’s family (if appropriate for a child in care) and friends to see if they know the child’s whereabouts (keep contact details of these people to pass onto the police);
access the child’s Oyster Card travel history; note what the child was wearing when last seen (Has any other clothing been
taken?); obtain a recent photo of the child; try to identify what may have caused the child to go missing.
2.1.3
Suggested actions for foster carers and care home managers to take before reporting a 16 or 17-year-old child as missing are set out in Appendix 2
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Absent not missingThese are circumstances when a child may be considered as absent, not missing:
- Regularly going absent for a short period of time;- Being late home; - Parent/carer knows where the child is, but s/he is refusing to come
home.
These would not normally come within the definition of missing. However, any unauthorised absence must be addressed because these types of behaviour may later evolve into going missing.
2.1.4
When contacting the police, inform them of: any identifying marks; any risk-taking behaviour (for children in care, if there is risk assessment on the
child please have this ready to give to the police); when and where were the child was last seen; any court orders in place.
2.1.5
Do these additional risks apply to the missing child: at risk of sexual exploitation; any medical needs; any special educational needs; known gang affiliation; drug or alcohol dependency.
2.1.6
It is important that all possible ways of locating the child have been explored prior to reporting the child missing to the police. Record what actions were taken and who was spoken to and give this information to the police.
Usually children are reported missing from home, or care by the parent, or carer either by phoning 101, or going to their local police station. However, if it is an emergency because the child is believed to be at imminent high risk of danger or is believed to have been abducted then the parent or carer should phone 999. For children in care, the foster carer, or children’s home manager will have a guideline to follow which may differ slightly depending on the authority that commissions their service. Based on intelligence gathered, the police will determine the level of risk and what resources to use in response.
When a child is reported missing to the police, everyone able to do so must keep trying to locate the child. The police will use their resources, in an effective and efficient way, to find the child as soon as possible and to investigate any crime that may be linked to the child going missing.
During the first 48 hours of being missing, the responsibility for leading on finding the child will remain with uniformed police patrols. After 48 hours, the responsibility will be passed over to the Safeguarding Hub in the East Area (EA) Borough Command Unit (BCU).
2.2 Informing the local authority of children who are missing
When the police interact with someone under the age of 18, they will enter details of that contact onto their Merlin system. A Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) is then created. A form, known as a ‘Merlin’, is generated and sent to the Local Authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The Merlin form contains details of what has been reported to the police and any actions immediate actions undertaken.
Merlins for missing children start with ‘MIS’ so that they can be separated from other Merlins.
2.2. MASH make checks to see if the child is known to Social Care:8
1 If the child is known to Social Care, then the allocated social worker is
informed If the child is not known to Social Care, then an assessment is made to see
whether Social Care involvement is required. If Social Care involvement is not required, the Family Group Conference,
Restorative Mediation & Crisis Intervention Team are informed about the missing child so that they can liaise with the police, offer support to the family and a return home interview to the child.
2.3 Children placed out of borough by this authority
If a child placed out of borough by this authority goes missing, the foster carer, or care home manager, will follow their procedures for reporting a child as missing. They will report the child to their local police force, who will lead on finding the child (unless it becomes apparent that the child is more likely to be found in another area, in which case both forces will agree who on should lead on finding the child).
The Foster carer, or care home manager, will also inform the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) who are responsible for emergency out of hours Social Care work. The following day, an email is sent to MASH with the ICS number for every incident dealt with overnight. MASH will then alert the allocated social worker.
2.4 Abductions
If a child has been reported missing, and it is known that they have been abducted, then the police will use different operational methods in response to this.
Sometimes children are reported missing to the police by a parent because the other parent has taken the child. The police may treat this as abduction.
Parents & Abducted Children Together (PACT) is a charity specialising in working with families where children have been abducted:
http://www.pact-online.org/
Reunite is a charity specialising in the movement of children across borders:
http://www.reunite.org/
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3.0 Section 3: Missing children - Roles and responsibilitiesBoth the police and the local authority have overarching safeguarding duties to prevent children from going missing and to find them as soon possible if they do go missing. It is essential that these two organisations work closely to share information and agree action plans on both a strategic and individual child basis.
3.1 The police
The police are the lead agency for finding all missing children reported to them but need the help and support of all involved agencies to find and safeguard the child as soon as possible.
The police will:
ensure they have systems in place to receive, and respond to, reports of missing children;
obtain all possible, relevant, information to assess the child’s level of risk and will deploy resources accordingly to find the child;
attend local authority strategy meetings, or be available for telephone conferences;
undertake a Police Prevention Interview (also known as a ‘safe and well’ check) when a child is found;
inform the local authority as soon as possible when a child is found; will investigate any crimes that the child has perpetrated or been the victim
of; provide a representative for Barking and Dagenham’s Missing Children
Strategic Group meetings.
3.2 Local Authority Missing Children Co-ordinator (MCC)
The MCC will, where necessary, remind:
Social workers to hold a strategy meeting for children in care (in line with statutory guidance i.e. after 48 of a child in care going missing, the meeting should be held within the next three days.)
Return interviews are held. On occasion, the MCC may undertake return interviews for children in care.
3.3 Missing Children Database
The MCC will maintain a database on all children reported missing to the police in:
a) Barking and Dagenham - via the Merlin formb) the care of this authority, placed out of borough – via an Emergency Duty
Team (EDT) notification
3.4 The daily report of missing children10
The MCC will issue a list each day of children known to be currently missing who have been reported missing:
a) within this authority or,b) from their out of borough placement
The following receive this list, which will be reviewed on a regular basis:
Name and job title Email addressAnne Bristow, Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Director for Service Development & Integration
Ann Graham, Director of Operations Children's Care and Support
Joanne Tarbutt, Group Manager for Looked After Children, Adoption & Prevention Services
Carolyn Greenaway, Group Manager, Care Management Service, Children’s Care and Support
Rubina Mazer, Group Manager, MASH and Assessment Team
Greg Vaughan, Education Statutory Services Team Manager
Alison Ryan, Family Group Conference & Restorative Mediation Services Manager
Belinda Clarke, Senior Family Group Conference & Restorative Justice Co-ordinator
Tracey Clarke, Children’s Rights Officer [email protected]
Linda Helliar, Child Sexual Exploitation Coordinator
BHRUT (King George and Queens Hospital Safeguarding Team
Janet Cassford, Headteacher, LBBD Virtual School
Kath Twin, Advisory Teacher, Looked After Children
Kathy Adams, Business Support Officer, LBBD Virtual School
Cathy Stygal, Headteacher, Mayesbrook Park School
Sharon White, Manager, Education Inclusion Team
Mahfuzul Khan, Team Manager, Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Adetokunbo Adediwura, Deputy Manager, MASH
Robert Harris, Operational Manager, Youth Offending Service
Erik Stein, Group Manager, Integrated [email protected]
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Youth Services, 14-19 Participation & Engagement Titilayo Idowu, Specialist Practitioner - School Nurse/ EOTAS
Lindsey Sullivan, Placement Finding Team [email protected] Ritchie, Placement Finding Team [email protected] Heron, Senior Team Manager / 16+ Placements
Lorraine Giles, Manager, Independent Reviewing Service (Child Protection)
Naseema Ahmad, Manager, Independent Reviewing Service (Looked After Children)
Victoria Creamer, Business Support ManagerAssessment, Prevent & Contact Service
Michelle Renny, Performance and Information Support Officer
Mark Adams, Strategic Data Manager, Integrated Youth Services
Michael Ollivierre, Social Worker and Missing Children Champion
Police Schools Liaison Team managerLisa Rao (and to each member of the police school team)
NELFT BusinessSupportB&[email protected]
Safeguarding Leads and key staff for secondary schoolsAll Saints Roman Catholic SchoolSteve Bonnar
All Saints Roman Catholic SchoolNicola Thompson
Barking Abbey School, Pete Flaxman
Dagenham Park Church of England School Brigitte Marsden
Dagenham Park Church of England School Colletta Lesforis
Eastbrook School Cherrelle Hinds-Swaby
Eastbury Community School Eileen Clarke
Eastbury Community School Rebecca Lastiotis
Goresbrook School Megan Harris
Jo Richardson Community School Gurjeet Kaur
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Jo Richardson Community School Sharon Staggs
Jo Richardson Community School Safeguarding Team
Riverside School Ryan Hoy
Robert Clack School (upper site) John Course
Robert Clack School (upper site) Kerry Taylor
Robert Clack (lower site) Karen Schofield
Robert Clack (lower site)Rachel Elliot
Sydney Russell School Karen Meggs
Sydney Russell SchoolSandie Larkins
Sydney Russell SchoolFiona Abankwah
Sydney Russell SchoolRichard Hill
Sydney Russell SchoolMargaret Brand
Sydney Russell SchoolKarron Walker-Hebborn
Sydney Russell SchoolDaniel Downes
Trinity School Natasha Bridger
Trinity School Susan Mather
Trinity School Veronica Jackson
Warren SchoolSydney Racon
Warren SchoolMark Farnsworth,
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3.5 Multi-Agency Sexual Exploitation group (MASE)It is the responsibility of MASE to ensure procedures are in place to protect children at risk of CSE. The strategic lead for missing children is a member of MASE.
For staff working with children at risk of CSE, guidance and the CSE practitioners risk assessment tool, can be found here:
http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/child-sexual-exploitation-cse-2/
Below is the kink to the DFE guidance for practitioners on CSE:
http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/s/step%20by%20step%20guide.pdf
Below is the link to government advice to practitioners on child sexual exploitation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-a-child-is-being-sexually-exploited
When updating the Missing Children Database, the MCC will check the Social Care system for CSE flags in relation to missing children.
3.6 Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, (MASH)All children who are missing and do not have an allocated social worker should be referred to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The MASH will complete a risk assessment. If an assessment is required, the contact will progress to referral and be passed to the duty social work team for a Social Worker to be allocated.
All children, without an allocated social worker, who have been missing for at least three consecutive days will be progressed to the duty social work team for a strategy meeting.
If no safeguarding issues are identified and it was determined that the family would benefit from additional support, the case will be passed to either the Support / Intervention Lifecycles for ongoing support. The MASH will also make a referral to the Family Group Conference (FGC) for a return home interview to be carried out. Once the interview has been completed FGC and Restorative Mediation Services can consider completing a MARF if they feel further support is required for the child / young person. All return home interviews completed by FGC will be sent to the MASH for review.
3.7 Youth Offending Service (YOS)
The YOS plays an important part in monitoring children who are at risk of CSE, or gang involvement, both of which factor highly with missing children.
YOS workers must check if the children they are working with are at risk of going missing or are currently missing.
If a missing child is arrested, the MCC, the child’s YOS worker, and the Police Officer based in YOS must be informed.
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3.8 The Role of SchoolsSchools, including academies, must work closely with the police and provide any information, and support, that can assist with locating a missing child.
When children are absent from school and no reason has been provided by the parent, it is imperative that the school consider if the child may have also gone missing.
The School’s Child Protection Coordinator should know if the child is in care, has a C.P plan, or is a CiN and must liaise with the allocated social worker.
Education staff must be vigilant to any indications that a child is at risk of going missing and act on those concerns. It is essential that schools keep up to date family contact details for all children on their roll.
3.9 The Role of Health Services
It is important for health staff to check if the child they are treating is currently missing, especially at such places as A&E or walk-in centres.
If the child being treated is currently missing, then the police should be informed by telephoning 101. Social Care must also be contacted in case the child has an allocated social worker but has not revealed this.
4.0 Section 4: Actions whilst a child is missing4.1 Searching for a missing child
When a child goes missing it is understandable that people will be worried and anxious to find the child. All involved with the missing child must continue to do all they can to locate that child. It must not just be left to the police to carry on the task alone.
Parents, foster carers and professionals can: Phone extended family, friends and anyone else known to the child Visit the homes of extended family and the child’s friends Visit locations where the child may be Try to make contact on social media. Monitor social media, especially that of the child’s friends
Any information obtained that may help locate the child must be shared immediately with the police.
4.2 If a child in care goes missingIf a child in care goes missing, the foster carer, or children’s home (including 16+ provision) manager should leave their room untouched and keep their toothbrush, or hair brush secure as this may be needed for forensics.
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4.3 The PressThe police may choose to publicise the child’s disappearance at any time. Although the police are the lead agency, this is usually done in agreement with:
the Local Authority for children in care, parents for children not in care.
Press coverage can either be:
Posters and social media alerts, usually organised with the help of the charity Missing People.
Missing child television appeal, held in front of the media with key members of the family (usually parents) making a direct appeal for the child’s safe return
Council staff should never discuss cases directly with the press. All press enquiries should be directed, without comment, to the Marketing and Communications Team 24-hour phoneline: 07968 511 859
4.4 The ‘Grab-Bag’Foster carers and children’s home managers must have a ‘grab bag’ for each child they are caring for. The ‘grab bag’ must contain personal information about the child, including:
contact details for family, associates and friends; addresses of likely locations they may be at; mobile phone number(s) and the SIM number(s); Oyster card number (carers should ask to be named as a guardian on the card); a recent photo; details of any court orders Names and contact details of agencies involved with the child.
Children may be placed with a local authority foster carer, an agency foster carer, or in a children’s home, or 16+ provision. Every care provider must have a policy in place regarding missing children. There may be some variation, based on the agreed protocol of the care provider, on when a decision to report a child missing is made but the process of reporting the child will be the same:
1) The foster carer or residential home manager will report the child missing to the police
2) The foster carer or residential home manager will inform the EDT, who will inform our Social Care the following day (see the ‘4 borough Children’s Emergency Duty Team processes and procedures’)
3) Unless inappropriate, the parents of the child must be informed.
4) The social worker will follow the guidance set out in:
Appendix 3: Child missing from the care of the local authority – quick reference guide.
Appendix 4: Children missing from care or home – risk assessment form.NB When a child goes missing, the completed risk assessment should be shared with all agencies working with the child and kept on the child’s file in each agency. In cases where new information becomes available and/or the child remains absent for a protracted period, the risks should be re-assessed, shared with the agencies. The most recently completed risk assessment should remain on the child’s file.
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The Independent Reviewing Officer must be made aware when a child under review is missing for 3 months or goes missing frequently (more than 3 times in the last 90 days).
Each local authority must have a missing children policy that can be shared with any authority placing a child in that borough.
4.5 Strategy meetings for children in the care of this authorityA strategy meeting must be arranged within three days if a child in care has been missing for more than 48 hours.
The allocated social worker must arrange the meeting. The police must be invited via an 87a form, which should be submitted to the police Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) referral desk. Once the matter has been allocated to an officer, any requests for follow up meetings should be made via email to:
4.5.1
The strategic lead for missing children must be notified that the meeting is being arranged and the following must be invited:
Allocated social worker’s team manager The police (the more notice given the more chance they have of organising
representation) A representative from any agency involved with the family The Children’s Rights Officer Representative from the child’s education provision A representative from the Virtual School Missing Children Co-ordinator
4.5.2
The purpose of the strategy meeting is to share information and formulate plans to locate the child as soon as possible and, when found, prevent an immediate repeat of going missing. This may include a review of the child’s living arrangements (especially the placement of a child in care).
If the level of risk for the missing child is not deemed to be high, it is acceptable:
for the police to contribute to the strategy meeting via telephone conference as an alternative to convening a meeting, a strategy discussion can be held
between the allocated social worker and their team manager.
It is important to ensure that any strategy meeting, or discussion, is recorded on the child’s Social Care file.
If the child returns before the strategy meeting is held, then there is no need to meet.
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4.5.3
If the child remains missing for more than 28 days, the social worker must convene a case conference. Monthly reviews of the case should be held, and a senior management review of the case must be arranged if the child remains missing after three months.
4.6 Missing children who have a child protection plan, or are a child in needIf the missing child is the subject of a Child Protection Plan, or is a Child in Need, then the allocated social worker will need to keep in regular contact with the family and provide updates to all involved agencies. Review meetings should continue to be arranged.
Appendix 5: Missing child who is a Child in Need or has a Child Protection Plan - Quick Reference GuideAppendix 4: Children Missing from Care or Home Risk assessment form
A case open to Social Care must not be closed if the child is missing .
4.7 Children who do not have an open case with Social Care
For children with no allocated social worker, the Family Group Conference & Restorative Mediation Services will monitor the case and liaise with the police.
If a child has gone missing from home, the parent should have reported this to the police. If the parent has not done so, then this should be considered as a child protection issue and a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) submitted to Social Care by the professional who is first made aware.
See page 15 for the section on the MASH and actions taken for children with no allocated social worker.
5.0 Section 5: When a child is found or returns home5.1 When a child is found, or returns home, it is important that they are made to feel
welcome, that they have been missed and that everyone has been worried about them. Getting angry, shouting at them, or immediately asking lots of questions is likely to push them away.
5.1.1
The police must be informed at the earliest opportunity, by the parent or carer, that the child has returned and will then arrange to undertake a Police Prevention Interview (also known as a ‘safe and well’ check). This is an opportunity for the police to try to understand where the child has been and what has happened to them. The police will follow up on any crimes that have been identified. The Merlin system is updated, and a PAC is created, which links to the Merlin form for the specific missing child report. The Pre-Assessment Checklist (PAC) is then submitted to the MASH team.
5.1.2
Foster carers, children’s homes, 16+ provision and parents must notify the police and the allocated social worker (if the child has one) as soon as the child returns home.
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5.2 The Return InterviewWhen the child is found, or returns, the police must inform the local authority as soon as possible as an offer of a return interview should be made to the child within 72 hours. This is an extremely important opportunity for a more in-depth discussion with the child about:
where they went; who they were with; what happened to them while they were missing;what can be done to stop them going missing again?
5.2.1
There are key areas to explore in the interview:
Risk of CSE Involvement with gangs Involvement with drugs
5.2.3
The following staff will undertake return interviews:
For children in care - The Children’s Rights Officer and, on occasion, the MCC. For children who have a C.P plan, or are a child in need – the allocated social
worker For children who do not have a social worker – Restorative Justice. For children referred to the Youth Offending Service (who are not in care; do not
have a C.P plan and are not a child in care) – the allocated YOS worker
5.2.4
It is important:
For the child to feel able to speak to the person undertaking the interview. Therefore, if the child wishes to speak to someone else about why they were missing, this must be arranged
to try and obtain the view of key people involved in the child’s life i.e. parents, or carers, other family members and friends.
that the Return Interview Form (Appendix 6) is completed; placed in the child’s file on the Social Care system and shared with the MCC and Police.
5.2.5
Undertaking a timely and thorough return interview, and sharing information gained, is a key action in the prevention of repeat missing episodes. The interviewer must exercise great care when speaking to the child because, apart from playing a crucial role in preventing further incidents of going missing, they may also gather information that will assist if a crime needs to be investigated, such as CSE.
5.2.6
Whilst every effort must be made, a child may still decline to be interviewed. For children with an allocated social worker, this must be reflected in the child’s plan. For children without Social Care involvement, FGC should consider submitting a MARF to MASH.
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5.3 The role of the allocated social workerThe allocated social worker for children who have a Child Protection plan, or are a Child in Need, will provide the return interview. The return interview form will be stored on the child’s file, in the Social Care system, and shared with the MCC and the police.
Appendix 4: Missing child who is a Child in Need, or has a Child Protection Plan - Quick Ref Guide Appendix 3: Children missing from care or home – risk assessment form
In certain circumstances, i.e. a breakdown in the relationship, the social worker can ask Restorative Justice, or the Children’s Rights Officer to undertake the interview.
5.4 The role of the Children’s Rights Officer (CRO)For children in the care of this authority, whether placed in, or out of borough, the CRO is responsible for offering the return interview.
A common reason given by children going missing from care is unhappiness linked to their placement. If this is identified as a reason, then a review of the child’s placement should be held.
5.5 Children without an allocated social worker (FGC&RJ)For children who do not have an allocated social worker, the Restorative Justice Team will offer a return interview.
5.6 The role of the Youth Offending Service (YOS)
YOS workers can undertake return interviews and must liaise with the dedicated YOS Police Officer regarding any concerns that are raised in relation to CSE, gang, or criminal activity. The YOS worker must keep the child’s allocated social worker informed.
If the child does not have an allocated social worker and declines a return interview, the YOS worker can ask Restorative Justice to provide the return interview or refer to the MASH.
All return home interview forms must be held on the child’s file in the Social Care system and shared with:The MCC: [email protected] police: [email protected]
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6.0 Section 6: Governance
6.1 Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)The LSCB has a duty to ensure that effective procedures are in place to safeguard children and help prevent them from going missing.
6.2 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Whilst reducing the number of children going missing is a key aspiration, it has too many variables to be a considered a performance indicator. However, two key tasks are measurable, because they have recommended time frames, and are used as KPIs:
1) After 48 hours of a child in care being missing, a strategy meeting (or discussion) is held within the 72 hours.
2) Within 72 hours of a child returning, or being found, a return home interview is offered to the child
6.3 Annual report on Missing Children, Children Missing from Education and Elective Home Education
This report gives an overview of work being done in these areas. It is presented to the LSCB and can be found on its website: http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/professionals/
6.4 Missing Children Strategic Group (MCSG)
The MCSG is a sub group of the LSCB. It is a multi-agency meeting comprising of representatives from the police, Social Care, Education and Health. It meets every 3 months to review missing children procedures and data. The strategic lead for missing children is the chair and the CSE Coordinator is a member.
Appendix 7: Missing Children Strategic Group Terms of Reference
6.5 Training on Missing Children The strategic lead for missing children provides multi-agency training sessions twice a year, accessed via the LSCB training directory.
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7.0 Section 7: Safeguarding risks associated with missing children
7.1 Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)Not all children who go missing are at risk of CSE however, one of the highest indicators that a child is at risk of CSE is repeat incidents of going missing. Therefore, it is imperative that the police and the local authority work together to:
identify children at risk of CSE; implement plans to protect them; apprehend or disrupt perpetrators.
7.1.1
If anyone is concerned that a child may be at risk of CSE then they must contact Social Care to find out if that child has an allocated social worker. If yes, then that social worker must be informed in writing.
7.1.2
If the child is not known to Social Care, then a MARF must be submitted via email: [email protected] detailing the concerns; including the names of any children who the child associates with who may also be at risk.
7.1.3
For staff working with children at risk of CSE guidance, and the CSE practitioners risk assessment tool, can be found here: http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/child-sexual-exploitation-cse-2/The charity Missing People, in partnership with National Working Group (NWG) Network has set up a ‘Say Something’ helpline for young people. Call or text: 116000. There is also a website: http://www.nwgnetwork.org/for-young-people/
7.2 RadicalisationParents, schools and professionals must be vigilant about children and young people being radicalised, which could lead to them going missing. Any such concerns should be reported to the police on 101 and a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF) should be submitted immediately to Social Care.
7.3 Forced marriageA forced marriage is where someone is forced to marry another against his/her will. This is different from an arranged marriage where both bride and groom (who are of the legal age to marry) are part of the decision-making process and consent freely to marriage. In a forced marriage a person of either sex may be
threatened, or beaten, to make sure they go through with a marriage; told they will bring shame on the family if they do not marry; taken abroad, without knowing they are to marry, and then prevented from
returning to the UK.
Forced marriage is a violation of a person’s Human Rights and is regarded in the UK as a form of domestic violence and in the case of a child, child abuse. If a young person in Barking and Dagenham discloses that they are, or fear, being forced into marriage, their concerns should be taken seriously. The police should be contacted on 101 (but 999 if it is an emergency). Social Care must be contacted and a MARF submitted.Below is the link to government advice on Forced Marriages:
https://www.gov.uk/forced-marriage
There is a mandatory duty to report FGM. Below is a link to government guidance on this: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information
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7.4 Trafficking
Trafficking of children is a form of human trafficking. It is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receiving of children for the purpose of all types of exploitation. Such children are unlikely to be in receipt of education and may well be moved from place to place.
If any child in Barking and Dagenham is, or is at risk of, being trafficked the police should be contacted on 101 (but 999 if it is an emergency). Social Care must be contacted and a MARF submitted.
Below is the link to government advice on Child Trafficking:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-children-who-may-have-been-trafficked-practice-guidance
The NSPCC Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC) can be contacted for advice between 9.30am and 4.30pm - Monday to Friday on 0808 800 5000.
7.5 Spirit PossessionBelief in spirit possession, witchcraft, and other forms of the supernatural can lead to children being blamed and abused. Fear of the supernatural is also known to be used to make children comply with being trafficked for domestic slavery or sexual exploitation.
Spirit possession is defined as the belief that an evil force has entered a child and is controlling him or her. Sometimes the term ‘witch’ is used and the belief here is that the child is able to use an evil force to harm others.
Children who are believed to be possessed may kept off school or sent out of the country to be ‘cured’. They may also be isolated and at significant risk of serious child abuse. As a result, a child may go missing. If there is concern that this may be happening to a child in Barking and Dagenham, the police should be contacted on 999. Social Care must be contacted and a MARF submitted.
Below is the link that will take you advice provided by Barking & Dagenham’s Local Safeguarding Children Board:
http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/member-area/faith-and-culture-committee-fcc/faith-and-culture-committee-2/
Below is the link to government advice on Spirit Possession:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-action-plan-to-tackle-child-abuse-linked-to-faith-or-belief
7.6 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)FGM is any procedure that’s designed to alter or injure a girl’s (or woman’s) genital organs for non-medical reasons. It’s sometimes known as ‘female circumcision’ or ‘female genital cutting’. It’s mostly carried out on young girls. FGM is illegal in the UK. It’s also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this.
If any child in Barking and Dagenham is, or is at risk of, FGM the police should be contacted on 101 (but 999 if it is an emergency). Social Care must be contacted
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and a MARF submitted.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office must be contacted if the child has already been taken abroad:
Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeTelephone: 020 7008 1500From overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500
Below is the link that will take you advice provided by Barking & Dagenham’s Local Safeguarding Children Board:http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/member-area/faith-and-culture-committee-fcc/faith-and-culture-committee-2/
Below is the link to government advice on FGM:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=FGM
8.0 Section 8: Voluntary sector organisations8.1 The Children’s Society: Has published a ‘Runaways’ Charter, which this borough
has signed up to: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/
8.1.1
Missing People: A national charity set up to help find missing people. The police use this charity for press releases and publicity for a missing person: https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/
9.0 Section 9: Children’s homes and 16+ provisions in Barking and Dagenham
9.1 On 1 April 2013, regulations came into force requiring Ofsted to disclose details of the locations of children’s homes to local police forces; to support the police in taking a strategic and operational approach to safeguarding children. This duty is in addition to the existing obligation for Ofsted to disclose this information to local authorities.
Registered Children’s Home:
- Hollibrook House, Monteagle Avenue, Barking, Essex IG11 8RB
- St Chads Home, 8 St. Chads Road, Romford, Essex RM6 6JB
9.2 List of registered Children’s Homes and 16+ provisions in Barking and Dagenham:
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Name of Provider
House Address
Telephone Number
Mobile Number
E- mail
L Care Solution 12 Honey Close Dagenham Essex RM10 8TW
0844 844 9900 0844 844 9900 [email protected]
Pathfinders 38 Bromhall Road Dagenham RM8 2BJ
0203 0152 575 0203 0152 575/ 07958559630
Pathfinders 27 Wood lane Dagenham RM8 3ND
0203 0152 575 0203 0152 575/07471937695
Summerfield Raven Field Close Dagenham RM9 5SY
0208 393 6474 07860705071 [email protected]
Vineries Vineries Close Dagenham RM9 5DA |
0208 592 3851 0208 592 3851 [email protected]
Krossroads 316 Westrow Drive Barking IG11 9BX
0207 998 0902 [email protected]
Krossroads 40 Church Street Edmonton London N9 9DU
0208 884 4499 [email protected]
Krossroads 22a Palmerston CrescentPalmers GreenLondon N13 4UA
0208 882 5493 [email protected]
Summit Lodge 26 Beech field Gardens Romford RM7 6EJ
01708 922160 07841380940 Summit Lodge [[email protected]]
Summit Lodge 44 Fourth Avenue Romford RM7 0UB
01708 922155 07508710599 Summit Lodge [[email protected]]
Summit Lodge 43 Glandford Way Chadwell Heath RM6 4UG
0784138094007508710599
07841380940 Summit Lodge [[email protected]]
Summit Lodge 22 Rosemary Garden Dagenham RM7 0AR
0784138094007508710599
0784138094007508710599
Summit Lodge [[email protected]]
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Name of Provider
House Address
Telephone Number
Mobile Number
E- mail
Acorns Homes 154 grange road Ramsgate CT11 9PR
01843482050 07870482050 Mo Coltham (Acorn Homes) [[email protected]]
Acorns Homes 1-3 Tennyson Avenue, Cliffe Woods, Rochester, Kent England, ME3 8JF
01634 541101 07495973313 Mo Coltham (Acorn Homes) [[email protected]]
Acorns Homes 105 High street Dover
07813677202 07813677202 Mo Coltham (Acorn Homes) [[email protected]]
Acorns Homes 35-39 flat CVictoria road Margate
07813677202 0781367720 Mo Coltham (Acorn Homes) [[email protected]]
Avance care 3 Farm Bridge road Dagenham RM8 1NS
07474934143 07474934143 Avance Care [[email protected]]
Avance care 48 Sunningdale Avenue Barking IG11 7QF
07427462106 07427462106 [email protected]
Avance care 38 Roy Garden, Ilford, Essex, IG2 7QQ
07460691696 07460691696 [email protected]
Avance care 82 Amesbury Road, Dagenham, Essex England, RM9 6AB
07400037370 07400037370 [email protected]
Avance care 109 Marston Avenue DagenhamRM10 7LD
07776672701 07776672701 [email protected]
Avance care 81 Dagenham Avenue Dagenham RM9 6LH
07776672701 07776672701 [email protected]
Avance care 10 Mayesbrook Road Dagenham RM8 2DX
07776672701 07776672701 [email protected]
Avance care 53 Cornell way Romford RM5 2HW
07776672701 07776672701 [email protected]
Name of Provider
House Address
Telephone Number
Mobile Number
E- mail
Footsteps 11 Gordon Road Chadwell Health RM6 6PT
0208 586 4329 07715452844 [email protected]
Footsteps 2 Montrose Ave Gidea Park RM2 6RH
01708 724 566 07715452844 [email protected]
Footsteps 1a Water lane Ilford Essex IG3 9HE
0208 599 3644 07715452844 [email protected]
Bevan House 140 Bevan House Bevan Ave, Barking IG11 9LL
0208 591 9244 [email protected]
Fine Fair 552-554 Ley Street Ilford IG 2 7DB
0208 554 1009 Estate Agent [email protected]
The Gateway 183 The Drive Ilford IG1 3PL 02085544461 07795109199 [email protected] Gateway 60 Oaklands Park Avenue
Ilford IG1 1TG02082522421 07795109199 [email protected]
The Gateway 179 Mawney Road Romford RM7 8BX
01708501078 07795109199 [email protected]
The Gateway 33 Arundel Road Harold Wood RM3 0LX
No number 07795109199 [email protected]
Guardian Care Services
76 Holmwood Road Ilford IG3 9YA
0208 5905564 07904295674 [email protected]
Heartwood Care
Green Lane Main Office Main Office 0208 590 8000
Heartwood Care
129 Lansdowne Road Ilford Essex IG3 8NQ
0208 590 3783 07876865931 [email protected]
Heart wood Care
1 Farley Drive Ilford IG3 8LT 0207 018 2553 07876865931 [email protected]
Heartwood Care
32 Wood Stock Gardens Ilford IG3 9SZ
0208 598 799 /07535 520 431
07535 520 431 [email protected]
Heartwood Care 18 plus
Flat 5 61B Goodmayes Road Ilford IG3 9ND
07780360346 [email protected]
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Appendix 1 All Missing Children Flowchart
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The police are contacted because the child is not where s/he is supposed to be.
All relevant information is obtained, and the police make a risk
assessment.
Child is missing and considered to
be at high risk.
Child is missing but is not considered to be
high risk.
Whereabouts of child are established (absent not missing). The missing child procedures do not apply. Other services may be required.
Information is entered onto the police Merlin system. A CAD is created, and the MASH team are alerted via a Merlin form
Police on patrol search for the child.
(parents/carers/professionals should
also try to find the child)
Child is found or returns within 48
hours. Police Safeguarding Team to coordinate multi-agency search for
the child
L.A return interview.
Child not located within 48 hours or further information is received raising risk level for the child to high.
MASH to alert allocated social worker. If no allocated social worker, MASH to alert FGCR&J and undertake an assessment if child is missing for 3 days
Police inform MASH via a PAC, and Missing Children Co-ordinator via email
Police PPI/Safe & Well Check.
Child is found and returns
MASH informs allocated Social Worker; CRO (and Missing
Children Co-ordinator
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Appendix 2 Guidance for reporting 16-17-year olds missing from careAny young person who does not normally go missing is a priority for all carers and key workers to take appropriate and timely action in reporting them missing.
Actions required:
If the young person has been contacted by phone and confirmed a time of return, please wait until that time before reporting them missing. If they have not returned at the agreed time, they must be reported missing.
Try to confirm their location and to speak to an adult relative if they say are with family for example. In the event that you are able to speak to an adult, you must advise them that the young person should return, and the social worker will be informed of the circumstances. However, they are not technically a missing person so please do not report to the police unless you are concerned for their immediate welfare.
If the young person is considered absent, please ensure that the social worker and their manager are informed asap.
In the event that they are not contactable by phone please make attempts to contact any friends, family to try to ascertain their whereabouts.
If you cannot make contact, please text the young person if you have a contact mobile number, informing them that they will be reported missing if they do not respond to attempts to speak to them to confirm their situation.
If you cannot contact them or confirm their whereabouts, please allow 2 hours after their curfew time for their return (unless considered highly vulnerable e.g. have learning difficulties) before reporting them missing to the police.
The above actions are in line with what a reasonable parent would do before reporting their child missing to the police.
If a young person is regularly missing/absent, please follow the following guidance:
Try to contact them by phone to establish their whereabouts and what time they intend to return.
If they do not return at the agreed time, please try to contact them again by phone to ascertain their time of return (by phone or text).
If you are unable to make contact with the young person, consideration must be given to the individual circumstances. For example, if a young person regularly returns from being missing/absent by the following morning, then that period of time should elapse before reporting them missing. If a young person’s curfew is 11.00pm but they regularly return home by 2.00am, they should be reported missing once they have not returned within their usual pattern e.g. by 2.30am.
If you have any reason to suspect that they are in a dangerous situation please report to the police immediately.
Any such arrangements for individuals who fall into this category should be agreed by the social worker and IRO with the carer or key worker and their supervisor and recorded in their care or pathway plan.
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Appendix 3
Child missing from the care of the local authority – Quick Reference GuideFor the social worker to complete: Yes No ActionIs the child missing? Missing child procedures should not be used if the child is late or has absconded and whereabouts are known (i.e. unauthorised absence from placement).Foster carers/residential staff to report child as missing to the police by dialling 101 (or 999 in an emergency). Has the foster carer done this and did the police visit?Did the foster carer inform their supervising social worker?Did the foster carer/residential staff inform the Emergency Duty Team?Has the social worker informed the child’s parent/s? (if appropriate)At what time did the foster carer/residential staff report the child as missing? Was this within an acceptable period?Have family (if appropriate) and friends been contacted to attempt establishing the child’s whereabouts?Unless inappropriate, keep family and those with P.R updated.If the child is at risk of sexual exploitation, are the police aware?Consider completing the CSE risk assessment toolIf 48 hours have passed and the child is still missing:Convene a strategy meeting within three working days. Complete the Risk Assessment Form. Save it in the child’s file, share it with the police and take it to the meeting. Invite:PoliceSocial worker’s line managerRepresentative from the Virtual School (if appropriate)Missing Children CoordinatorAll agencies involved with the familyNotify: Greg Vaughan, Manager Education Statutory Services Team and The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)The Placement Finding TeamChildren’s Rights OfficerIf the child is still missing following the strategy meeting, social worker to keep all those listed above updated on progress including their group manager.If the child remains missing convene a multi-agency meeting after 28 days.A Senior Management Review needs to take place if the child remains missing after 3 months.Keep the child’s file up to datePolice may choose to publicise the child’s disappearance at any time and will seek agreement with the Director of Social Care.If the child is found, or returns:Police will provide a Police Prevention Interview (also known as a ‘Safe & Well’ check).Social worker to inform Children’s Rights Officer (Tracey Clarke) so that she can undertake a Return Interview within 72 hours.Arrange a strategy meeting, within five working days, if the child is found, but is not in agreement to return to the care of the local authority, or a safe environment.
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Appendix 4Child Missing from Care or Home
Risk Assessment FormPlease ensure that this form is completed, updated as required and kept on the child’s file.
Please ensure that this risk assessment is shared with the police.
Description and Contact Details for the Child
Child’s full name
Mobile number
Legal status
Age and Date of Birth
Ethnic Origin and Ethnic Appearance
Preferred language
Height and build
Gender
Name of Carer
Address where child currently resides (family home, residential unit, or foster carer)
Telephone numbers
Name of social worker
Name of Placing Authority
Contact number
Name of Parent/s
Address
Telephone numbers
School/ College:
Address
Phone number
Appearance incl. clothing, eye colour, hair, glasses, tattoos, piercings, facial hair
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Summary of Risk Factors
Factor Details and ExplanationDate/time child last seen
With whom
Needs essential medication, or treatment not readily available to them e.g. asthma inhaler, insulin
May not have the physical ability to interact safely with others, or in an unknown environment, e.g. visually impaired, history of abuse, or inappropriate adult/stranger relationships, Down Syndrome etc.
Lacks reasonable awareness of the risks associated with running away, incl. learning disabled
Known to associate with adults, or children who present a risk of harm e.g. sexual offenders, offenders against children
Mental illness, or psychological disorder that may increase risk of harm to themselves, or others
Drugs and/or alcohol dependency
Suspicion of abduction
Suspected suicide, or self-harm
Involved in violent and/or racial incident, or confrontation immediately prior to disappearance
Family/relationship problems or recent history of family conflict/abuse.Victim, or potential victim, of forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), or trafficking.
School, or college problems
Recent behaviour (including radicalisation)
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Summary of Actions Taken(Include attempts to talk to child on mobile phone and attempts to contact friends and family.)
Review Date for Actions Decided
Completed by, full name Signature
Information about friends and relatives etc, visited
Date Time Name / Phone number and address
Result of enquiries
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Appendix 5
Missing child who is a Child in Need or has a Child Protection Plan - Quick Reference GuideFor the allocated social worker to complete Yes No ActionIs the child missing?Do not instigate missing child procedures if the child is late or has absconded and whereabouts are known.Has the parent reported the child as missing to the police by dialling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or by attending a police station?Social worker to report the child missing if the parent does not. At what time did the parent report the child as missing? Was this within an acceptable period?Have family and friends been contacted to try and establish the child’s whereabouts?Is the child at risk of sexual exploitation? If yes, have the police been made aware? Consider completing the CSE risk assessment tool.Does the child being missing trigger the need for a C.P or CiN review meeting?Complete the Risk Assessment Form ready for the review meeting. This must be kept in the child’s file and shared with the police.If the child is still missing following the review meeting, social worker to keep the following updated:PoliceLine manager; Group Manager and Divisional DirectorMissing Children CoordinatorThose invited to the review meetingGreg Vaughan, Manager Education Statutory Services TeamPolice may choose to publicise the child’s disappearance at any time and will seek the agreement of the Director of Social Care.If, after the strategy meeting, the child remains missing convene a Child Protection case conference after 28 days.A Senior Management Review needs to take place if the child remains missing after 3 months.Ensure the child’s file is kept up to date.If the child is found, or returnsPolice will provide a Police Prevention Interview (also known as a ‘Safe & Well’ check).Social worker to undertake a return interview within 72 hours. If this is not possible, the Social worker can ask Restorative Justice, or Children’s Rights Officer (Tracey Clarke) to undertake a Return Interview. If the child is known to YOS, the child’s YOS worker may undertake the Return Interview.
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Appendix 6 Missing Child Return Interview FormWhen the child is found, or returns, the local authority must offer a return interview to the child within 72 hours. The return interview is an extremely important opportunity for a more in-depth discussion with the child. Unless the child declines to be interviewed, this form must be completed for every child and saved on their S-Drive file and indexed on ESCR. Name of child/young person: DOB:
Dates missing From: To:
If applicable, please indicate the child’s status: CiN; C.P; CiC (If in Care – CRO to interview?)
Interviewer name and job title:Date of interview: Place of interview:
Questions to ask the child:Must also query: Gangs/CSE/Drugs
Answers/Outcome Comments
Why did they runaway/go missingWhere did they go (and how did they get back)?Who were they with?What happened to them while they were missing?What can be done to stop him/her from going missing again?Additional informationIf child identified as being at risk of CSEIf the child has an allocated social worker, complete the CSE risk assessment tool and send it to them. The social worker must record the CSE as a hazard on ICS, put the assessment on child’s file and follow the CSE pathway for cases open to Social careIf the child does not have an allocated social worker, the CSE risk assessment tool must be completed and submitted to MASH along with a MARF Link to the CSE referral pathway on the LSCB website under ‘Policy Documents and Pathways’: http://newsite.bardag-lscb.co.uk/child-sexual-exploitation-cse-2/PreventIf the child has been identified as being exposed to a form of extremism or is vulnerable to radicalisation, please submit MARF or ECAF to MASH
Once completed, please email a copy of this form to: Police: [email protected] Missing Children Co-ordinator: [email protected](FGC staff please also send to: [email protected] ) Manager Education Statutory Services Team: [email protected]
Appendix 7 Missing Children Strategic Group 28
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Terms of Reference
Chair Manager: Education Statutory Services Team, Education, Youth and Childcare.
Members The meeting shall be multi agency and comprise of representatives from:
Name: Job title: Email:Greg Vaughan
Manager, Education Statutory Services Team
John Lung Detective Sergeant, Metropolitan Police
Robert Harris
Youth Offending Service [email protected]
Alison Ryan Restorative Mediation & Family Group Conference
Michael Ollivierre
Children in Care Team [email protected]
Tracey Clarke
Children’s Rights Officer [email protected]
Titilayo Idowu
NELFT [email protected]
Vacant Missing Children WorkerMaf Khan MASH manager [email protected] Helliar CSE Co-ordinator [email protected] Greenaway
Group Manager, Care Management Service
Jo Tarbutt Group Manager, Children in Care
Rubina Mazher
Group Manager, MASH and Assessment Team
Erik Stein Group Manager, IYS [email protected]
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Participation & EngagementAnthony Stewart
Subwize [email protected]
Aziza Vahora
Sophie Rowan
Children's Domestic Abuse Caseworker, Victim’s Support
Fiona Abankwah
Secondary School’s Representative
Frequency of meetings 4 times a year
Aims and objectives of the group The areas of responsibility are all related to children residing in this borough who are reported missing to the Police and children in our care who have been placed out of borough and reported missing to the police, as well as oversight of those placed in borough by other Local Authorities. The MCSG will have responsibility for:
Strategy Policies and procedures Performance monitoring of quantitative and qualitative data Links to CSE
All above areas are to be standing items on the agenda of each meeting.
Performance monitoring will review the Missing Children data set, compiled monthly:
Return home interviews
Strategy meetings for children missing from our Care
Repeat missing children
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Long-term missing children
It will also review qualitative data collated from return interviews.
The strategic aims of the MCSG are set out as follows.
To ensure that procedures are in place to find children when they are missing and return them to a place of safety. To ensure procedures are in place for:
Strategy meetings for children missing from our Care, to be arranged when a child in care has been missing from more than 48 hours.
Return interviews for children when they are found, or return (excluding children placed in this L.A by other boroughs. The interview should be arranged within 72 hours of the child returning.
The purpose of the interview
provide support understand why the child was missing prevent repeat occurrences
To ensure that procedures are in place to help identify children at risk of going missing and that appropriate responses are in place to prevent it from happening, particularly those at risk of CSE.
To implement any new initiatives or procedures across all services to improve procedures to reduce the number of children who go missing.
Linked meetings The Missing Children Strategic Group is a working group of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board
Governance and accountability The minutes of the meeting will be made available to the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and senior managers of the local authority.
Agendas and papers for the meeting shall be sent out no less than one week before the meeting takes place, with the opportunity for partners to influence the agenda and set strategic priorities.
ToR last reviewed December 2017
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