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8 Missing Children | Next Stage 4Life
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62 <div class="content_text">
63 <h1 class="h1">
63 Missing Children
63 </h1>
64 <div class="scope_box" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 15px;">
65 <h2 class="h3">
65 REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
65 </h2>
66 <p>
66 <a
href="http://qualitystandards.proceduresonline.com/homes/p_quality_standards.html#protection_c
h" target="_blank">
66 The Protection of Children Standard
66 </a>
66 <br />
67 Regulation 12
68 </p>
69 <p>
69 This chapter must be read in conjunction with LSCP Protocol for Children who have Runaway or
are Missing from Home and Care covering the area where the home is located.
69 </p>
70 <h3 class="h3">
70 RELATED CHAPTER
70 </h3>
71 <p>
71 <a href="p_phys_inter.html">
71 Use of Restraint and Physical Intervention Procedure
71 </a>
71 </p>
72 <h3 class="h3">
72 RELEVANT GUIDANCE
72 </h3>
73 <p>
73 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/271819/Statuto
ry_guidance_on_children_who_run_away_or_go_missing_from_home_or_c....pdf" target="_blank">
73 Statutory Guidance on Children who Run Away or Go Missing from Home or Care (DfE, January
2014)
73 </a>
73 where the child is, or has been, persistently absent from the placement.
73 </p>
74 <p>
74 <a
href="https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/major-investigation-and-public-protection/
missing-persons/" target="_blank">
74 Police Interim Guidance on the Management, Recording and Investigation of Missing Persons
(2013)
74 </a>
74 </p>
75 </div>
76 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
76 <br />
77 Contents
77 </h2>
78 <ol>
79 <li>
79 <a href="#definitions">
79 Definitions
79 </a>
79 </li>
80 <li>
80 <a href="#culture">
80 Culture
80 </a>
80 </li>
81 <li>
81 <a href="#planning_prevention">
81 Planning and Prevention
81 </a>
81 </li>
82 <li>
82 <a href="#leaving_without_consent">
82 Leaving Without Consent
82 </a>
82 </li>
83 <li>
83 <a href="#immediate">
83 Immediate Actions if a Child is Absent or Missing
83 </a>
83 </li>
84 <li>
84 <a href="#risk_assess">
84 Risk Assessments, Monitoring and Notifications
84 </a>
84 </li>
85 <li>
85 <a href="#first_7_days">
85 Prolonged Periods of Absence or Being Missing
85 </a>
85 </li>
86 <li>
86 <a href="#returning_ch">
86 Returning Children
86 </a>
86 </li>
87 <li>
87 <a href="#upon_return_of_ch">
87 When a Child Returns
87 </a>
87 </li>
88 <li>
88 <a href="#recording_notifications">
88 Recording, Notifications and Review
88 </a>
88 <br />
89 <br />
90 <a href="#appendix_1">
90 Appendix 1: Assessing Levels of Concern Guidance
90 </a>
90 </li>
91 </ol>
92 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
92 <br />
93 1.
93 <a name="definitions" id="definitions">
93 </a>
93 Definitions
93 </h2>
94 <p>
94 Various terms are used in relation to missing children:
94 </p>
95 <p>
95 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/271819/Statutory
_guidance_on_children_who_run_away_or_go_missing_from_home_or_c....pdf" target="_blank">
95 Statutory Guidance on Children Who Run Away or Go Missing From Home or Care (January 2014)
95 </a>
95 uses the following definitions:
95 </p>
96 <ul>
97 <li>
97 <span class="bold">
97 Missing Child
97 </span>
97 :
97 <span class="bold">
97 <br />
98 <br />
99 </span>
99 A child reported as missing to the police by their family or carers.
99 </li>
100 </ul>
101 <ul>
102 <li>
102 <span class="bold">
102 Missing from Care
102 </span>
102 :
102 <span class="bold">
102 <br />
103 <br />
104 </span>
104 A Looked After child who is not at their placement or the place they are expected to be (e.g.
school) and their whereabouts are not known.
104 </li>
105 </ul>
106 <ul>
107 <li>
107 <span class="bold">
107 Away from Placement Without Authorisation
107 </span>
107 :
107 <span class="bold">
107 <br />
108 <br />
109 </span>
109 A Looked After child whose whereabouts are known but who is not at their placement or the
place they are expected to be and the carer has concerns or the incident has been notified to
the local authority or the police.
109 </li>
110 </ul>
111 <ul>
112 <li>
112 <span class="bold">
112 Young Runaway
112 </span>
112 :
112 <span class="bold">
112 <br />
113 <br />
114 </span>
114 A child who has run away from their home or care placement, or feels they have been forced or
lured to leave.
114 </li>
115 </ul>
116 <p>
116 See also, the
116 <a
href="https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/major-investigation-and-public-protection/mi
ssing-persons/#definition-of-missing" target="_blank">
116 College of Policing definition of missing and absent
116 </a>
116 .
116 </p>
117 <p>
117 The police classification of a person as 'Missing' or 'Absent' will be based on on-going risk
assessment.
117 </p>
118 <p>
118 The police will not send an officer to cases where children/young people are defined as being
'absent'. Instead the onus will be on the Home to take steps to locate the child/young person,
with monitoring by the police and escalation to 'missing' if there is a change to the
circumstances or an increase in the level of risk. It is expected that all reasonable steps
should be taken by the Home to locate the child/young person prior to making a report to the
police.
118 </p>
119 <p>
119 Police will attend reports of 'missing children/young people'.
119 </p>
120 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
120 <br />
121 2.
121 <a name="culture" id="culture">
121 </a>
121 Culture
121 </h2>
122 <p>
122 Children are less likely to go missing or absent if they feel secure and safe, able to express
their feelings, make appropriate choices and develop positive relationships with the staff and
their peers, which are free from bullying.
122 </p>
123 <p>
123 Children should have a clear understanding of expectations upon them, the routines of the home
and house rules; to this end, they should know whether it's acceptable, or not, to leave the
home without permission or consent. The potential risks if they become missing or absent should
be explained. Children's should be provided with contact details for the Children's Commissioner
or
123 <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">
123 Childline
123 </a>
123 .
123 </p>
124 <p>
124 If homes are experiencing high levels of children going missing, managers should 'take
stock' and undertake a formal review of the culture and strategies being used in the home and
take steps to reduce the incidents.
124 </p>
125 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
125 <br />
126 3.
126 <a name="planning_prevention" id="planning_prevention">
126 </a>
126 Planning and Prevention
126 </h2>
127 <p>
127 All children must have a
127 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/placement_plan.html"
target="_blank">
127 Placement Plan
127 </a>
127 which takes account of any likely risk of the child becoming Missing or Absent. If there are
known/likely risks, the Placement Plan should incorporate measures to reduce or prevent the
child becoming absent, as well as information that would help facilitate the location of the
child should they go missing.
127 </p>
128 <p>
128 Where there are child protection concerns relating to a child and/or where the child has gone
missing from the placement or from any previous placement, the Placement Plan must include
information agreed between the local authority and the placement provider about the day-to-day
arrangements put in place to keep the child safe.
128 </p>
129 <p>
129 At the request of the child, or where there are concerns about a child who frequently becomes
absent or missing, the home's manager should consider raising concerns with the Child's
Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) or arranging a meeting between the child and the placing
authority to consider the reasons for the child going missing and agree strategies to reduce the
risk.
129 </p>
130 <p>
130 Where the child is, or has been, persistently absent from the placement the child's
130 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/looked_aft_review.html"
target="_blank">
130 Looked After Review
130 </a>
130 should be brought forward.
130 </p>
131 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
131 <br />
132 4.
132 <a name="leaving_without_consent" id="leaving_without_consent">
132 </a>
132 Leaving Without Consent
132 </h2>
133 <p>
133 If a child indicates that they propose to leave the home without consent, staff should in the
first instance speak to them about his, and try to dissuade them.
133 </p>
134 <p>
134 It is crucial that staff always show care and concern, even if they are sure that a child is
going to leave. Staff should take all reasonable steps to prevent children from leaving,
especially if it will result in the child or others being placed at risk.
134 </p>
135 <p>
135 As a last resort, this can include the use of physical restrictions such as the locking or
bolting of door to restrict the child's movement or Physical Intervention, if this is
immediately necessary to prevent significant harm or serious damage to property. However, the
use of such interventions may only be used as a last resort. Staff must also consider the
placement or behaviour management plans for individual children, which may state that specific
strategies should be used.
135 </p>
136 <p>
136 Also see
136 <a href="p_phys_inter.html#locking">
136 Use of Restraint and Physical Intervention Procedure, Locking or Bolting Doors
136 </a>
136 .
136 </p>
137 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
137 <br />
138 5.
138 <a name="immediate" id="immediate">
138 </a>
138 Immediate Actions if a Child is Absent or Missing
138 </h2>
139 <p>
139 In the absence of any agreed strategy in the Placement Plan the following should apply if it is
apparent or suspected that a child is absent or missing. In such circumstances, staff should
take whatever actions are immediately necessary to recover the child, bearing in mind any risks
posed to the child or others.
139 </p>
140 <h3 class="h3">
140 5.1 Immediate Actions
140 </h3>
141 <p>
141 Staff should undertake enquiries locally and with the other children as to the whereabouts of
the child to establish that (s)he is absent. This may include a thorough check of the local area
and the home and may include contacting people who know the child or going out to look for them.
If the child has become absent during an activity away from the Home, staff should conduct a
search of the vicinity, if it is safe to do so.
141 </p>
142 <p>
142 Searches beyond the local vicinity may only be undertaken with the approval of the manager.
142 </p>
143 <p>
143 If staff are satisfied that the child is absent or away from the placement without authorisation
but they are aware or suspect the whereabouts of a child, they should consult a manager with a
view to recovering the child. This may include attempting to communicate with the child on his
or her mobile phone, searching for the child and/or obtaining information from others about the
possible whereabouts of the child.
143 </p>
144 <h3 class="h3">
144 5.2
144 <a name="recovering_ch" id="recovering_ch">
144 </a>
144 Recovering the Child
144 </h3>
145 <p>
145 Any actions taken to recover the child and return them to the home must focus on promoting the
child's welfare and must take account of their legal status, age, understanding and the level of
risk posed to the child or others. If children are found but refuse to return to the home, staff
must consult the manager (who should consult the child's social worker) or, in an
emergency/where the child or others are seriously at risk, call the Police. The use of physical
interventions, such as restraint should not be used unless there is an immediate risk of
significant harm, serious damage to property, as a last resort and if staff are confident that
such interventions will work/de escalate the situation and make the child safe; if this outcome
is not likely, they should withdraw and immediately consult their manager or the Police.
145 </p>
146 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
146 <br />
147 6.
147 <a name="risk_assess" id="risk_assess">
147 </a>
147 Risk Assessments, Monitoring and Notifications
147 </h2>
148 <p>
148 Having established the child is absent or missing, an assessment should be carried out to
determine the level of risk that is posed to the child i.e. if the risk is 'Low', 'Medium' or
'High' Risk.
148 </p>
149 <p>
149 This assessment and any re-assessment must be recorded.
149 </p>
150 <p>
150 The first assessment must be conducted once it is established the child is absent or missing,
then as set out below.
150 </p>
151 <h3 class="h3">
151 6.1 Assessing Risks/Who to Notify
151 </h3>
152 <table title="Low Level Concern" width="95%" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
153 <tr>
154 <td colspan="2" class="greytableheader">
154 Low Level Concern
154 </td>
155 </tr>
156 <tr>
157 <td colspan="2">
157 <p>
157 For Guidance on Assessing Risks see
157 <a href="#appendix_1">
157 Appendix 1: Assessing Levels of Concern Guidance
157 </a>
157 , if the child is assessed as Low Risk:
157 </p>
158 <p>
158 <span class="bold">
158 Notifications
158 </span>
158 : There is no requirement to notify the Police, social worker or parents.
158 </p>
159 <span class="bold">
159 Review of Risks
159 </span>
159 :
159 <span class="bold">
159 Every 2 hours
159 </span>
159 or as circumstances changes; if the child is absent/missing, in this category, for
159 <span class="bold">
159 a total of 6 hours
159 </span>
159 s/he automatically becomes Medium Risk.
159 </td>
160 </tr>
161 </table>
162 <br />
163 <table title="Medium Level Concern" width="95%" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
164 <tr>
165 <td colspan="2" class="greytableheader">
165 Medium Level Concern
165 </td>
166 </tr>
167 <tr>
168 <td colspan="2">
168 <p>
168 For Guidance on Assessing Risks see
168 <a href="#appendix_1">
168 Appendix 1: Assessing Levels of Concern Guidance
168 </a>
168 , if the child is assessed as Medium Risk:
168 </p>
169 <p>
169 <span class="bold">
169 Notifications
169 </span>
169 : The Police, social worker and parents
169 <span class="bold">
169 may
169 </span>
169 be consulted or verbally notified, for information, but there is no requirement to notify
them formally.
169 </p>
170 <span class="bold">
170 Review of Risks
170 </span>
170 :
170 <span class="bold">
170 Every 2 hours
170 </span>
170 or as circumstances change. If a missing child remains in the Medium Category for
170 <span class="bold">
170 a total of 6 hours
170 </span>
170 s/he automatically falls into High Level Category.
170 </td>
171 </tr>
172 </table>
173 <br />
174 <table title="High Level Concern" width="95%" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
175 <tr>
176 <td colspan="2" class="greytableheader">
176 High Level Concern
176 </td>
177 </tr>
178 <tr>
179 <td colspan="2">
179 <p>
179 For Guidance on assessing Risks see
179 <a href="#appendix_1">
179 Appendix 1: Assessing Levels of Concern Guidance
179 </a>
179 .
179 </p>
180 <p>
180 <span class="bold">
180 Notifications
180 </span>
180 : If there is a High Level of Concern:
180 </p>
181 <ul>
182 <li>
182 The Police in the area where the child became absent must be formally notified;
182 </li>
183 <li>
183 The social worker must be notified as soon as practicable. The social worker should
decide whether to notify the parent(s) and, if so, who should do so;
183 </li>
184 <li>
184 If the child has absconded from lawful detention, the Youth Offending Team (YOT) must be
notified.
184 </li>
185 </ul>
185 </td>
186 </tr>
187 </table>
188 <h3 class="h3">
188 <br />
189 6.2
189 <a name="info_sharing_recording" id="info_sharing_recording">
189 </a>
189 Information Sharing and Recording
189 </h3>
190 <p>
190 When notifying/informing the Police (in the area where they have become absent e.g. if on an
activity away from the Home), Social Worker or others e.g. Youth Offending Worker/Team, it is
vital to provide information about the circumstances and risk factors that led to the
notification; but it is also important to discuss possible strategies for finding and recovering
the child safely. Agreement should also be reached about others who may need to know the child
is Absent or Missing e.g. the child's parents.
190 </p>
191 The child's Placement Plan should be reviewed regularly and after any absence, but they will
require the following information:
192 <ol type="a">
193 <li>
193 A description of the child, possibly a photograph;
193 </li>
194 <li>
194 When the child was last seen and with whom;
194 </li>
195 <li>
195 A recent photograph of the child;
195 </li>
196 <li>
196 Family addresses;
196 </li>
197 <li>
197 Other addresses of people the child may make contact with;
197 </li>
198 <li>
198 Any previous history of the child going missing;
198 </li>
199 <li>
199 The name and address of the child's GP and Dentist.
199 </li>
200 </ol>
201 <p>
201 The Police, social worker and others notified must then be updated as circumstances change and
when the child returns.
201 </p>
202 <p>
202 Records must also be kept detailing all individual incidents when children go missing from the
home, including any information relating to the child's whereabouts during the period of
absence.
202 </p>
203 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
203 <br />
204 7.
204 <a name="first_7_days" id="first_7_days">
204 </a>
204 Prolonged Periods of Absence or Being Missing
204 </h2>
205 <p>
205 On the first working day after the child has been reported missing/absent, the Line Manager for
the home must be notified.
205 </p>
206 <p>
206 Also, the home should consult/update the Police and social worker/YOT Worker every day for the
first 7 days, or as new information is available, to review the strategies that can be adopted
to find/return the child.
206 </p>
207 <p>
207 After 72 hours, the Police will notify the
207 <a href="http://www.missingpersons.police.uk/" target="_blank">
207 UK Missing Persons Bureau
207 </a>
207 .
207 </p>
208 <p>
208 If the child is still absent
208 <span class="bold">
208 after 7 days
208 </span>
208 , the Designated Manager (Absence) and child's Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) must be
notified/consulted to decide what actions to take e.g.
208 </p>
209 <ol type="a">
210 <li>
210 The convening of a
210 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/strategy_discussion.html"
target="_blank">
210 Strategy Discussion
210 </a>
210 ;
210 </li>
211 <li>
211 Use by the Police of their powers to recover the child, for example, placing a child in
211 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/police_protection.html"
target="_blank">
211 Police Protection
211 </a>
211 ;
211 </li>
212 <li>
212 An application for a
212 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/recovery_order.html"
target="_blank">
212 Recovery Order
212 </a>
212 ;
212 </li>
213 <li>
213 An application for a
213 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/secure_accom_order.html"
target="_blank">
213 Secure Accommodation Order
213 </a>
213 ;
213 </li>
214 <li>
214 The use of publicity.
214 </li>
215 </ol>
216 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
216 <br />
217 8.
217 <a name="returning_ch" id="returning_ch">
217 </a>
217 Returning Children
217 </h2>
218 <p>
218 If a child's whereabouts become known, staff should consult the Social Worker/YOT Worker and
Police about the most appropriate way to return the child to the home or care.
218 </p>
219 <p>
219 Any actions taken should preferably be with the co-operation or by negotiation with the child.
219 </p>
220 <p>
220 Also see
220 <a href="#recovering_ch">
220 Section 5.2, Recovering the Child
220 </a>
220 .
220 </p>
221 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
221 <br />
222 9.
222 <a name="upon_return_of_ch" id="upon_return_of_ch">
222 </a>
222 When a Child Returns
222 </h2>
223 <p>
223 The Police, Social Worker/YOT Worker and others notified of the absence must be informed when
the child returns.
223 </p>
224 <p>
224 The child must be welcomed back and must have the opportunity to talk about the reasons for
leaving.
224 </p>
225 <p>
225 At the request of the child or where there are concerns about a child who frequently becomes
absent or missing, the home's manager should consider arranging a meeting between the child and
the placing authority to consider the reasons for the child going missing.
225 </p>
226 <p>
226 The Police may wish to carry out a 'Safe and Well' check, to check for any indications that the
child has suffered harm; where and with whom they have been; and to give them an opportunity to
disclose any offending by, or against, them.
226 </p>
227 <p>
227 An
227 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/indep_return_interview.html
" target="_blank">
227 Independent Return Interview
227 </a>
227 should be carried out by an independent professional (e.g. a social worker, teacher, health
professional or police officer, who does not usually work with the child and is trained to carry
out these interviews). Children sometimes need to build up trust with a person before they will
discuss in depth the reasons why they ran away.
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 The person conducting the interview should usually be independent of the child's placement and
of the responsible local authority. An exception maybe where a child has a strong relationship
with a carer or social worker and has expressed a preference to talk to them, rather than an
independent person, about the reasons they went missing.
228 </p>
229 <p>
229 The responsible local authority should ensure the Return Interview takes place, working closely
with the host authority where appropriate. Contact should be made with the child within 72 hours
of them being located or returning from absence, to arrange an Independent Return Interview in a
neutral place where they feel safe.
229 </p>
230 <p>
230 Where a looked after child has run away they should have the opportunity to talk, before they
return to their placement, to a person who is independent of their placement about the reasons
they went missing. The child should be offered the option of speaking to an independent
representative or advocate.
230 </p>
231 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
231 <br />
232 10.
232 <a name="recording_notifications" id="recording_notifications">
232 </a>
232 Recording, Notifications and Review
232 </h2>
233 <h3 class="h3">
233 10.1 Recording
233 </h3>
234 <p>
234 For details about recording the initial incident (when the child is reported as absent/missing)
see
234 <a href="#info_sharing_recording">
234 Section 6.2, Information Sharing/Recording
234 </a>
234 .
234 </p>
235 Throughout, staff must update the following records:
236 <ul>
237 <li>
237 Daily Log;
237 </li>
238 <li>
238 Child's Daily Record/File;
238 </li>
239 <li>
239 Absence Log.
239 </li>
240 </ul>
241 <h3 class="h3">
241 10.2 Notifications
241 </h3>
242 <p>
242 When the child returns, all those notified of the absence must be informed.
242 </p>
243 <p>
243 If the child was involved in sexual exploitation or sexual exploitation, the Regulatory
Authority must be notified.
243 </p>
244 <p>
244 If there is a pattern of persistent incidents or the circumstances gave rise for serious
concern, the Home's Manager must notify the child's Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO).
244 </p>
245 <h3 class="h3">
245 10.3 Review
245 </h3>
246 <p>
246 If a child is, or has been, persistently absent without permission from the Home and/or the
Manager considers that the child is at risk of harm, the Manager will ask the placing authority
to review the child's Care Plan. The Manager will consult the child's social worker/YOT Worker
and Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) with a view to reviewing the Care Plan.
246 </p>
247 <p>
247 If it is decided not to review the Care Plan, the home's manager should still review the
Placement Plan.
247 </p>
248 <h2 class="h2_underlined">
248 <br />
249 <a name="appendix_1" id="appendix_1">
249 </a>
249 Appendix 1: Assessing Levels of Concern Guidance
249 </h2>
250 <h3 class="h3">
250 <a name="section1" id="section1">
250 </a>
250 Section 1: Indicators/Categories of Risk
250 </h3>
251 <p>
251 There is additional guidance in
251 <a href="#section2">
251 Section 2: Other factors that should be considered
251 </a>
251 .
251 </p>
252 <table title="Section 1: Indicators/Categories of Risk" width="95%" border="1" cellspacing="0"
cellpadding="5">
253 <tr class="greytableheader">
254 <td width="47%">
254 <div align="center">
254 HIGH RISK
254 <br />
255 A child is automatically High Risk in the following circumstances
255 </div>
255 </td>
256 <td width="53%">
256 <div align="center">
256 OTHER RISK FACTORS
256 <br />
257 These are risks/indicators that should be considered when assessing other children, who do
not automatically fall into the High Risk Category
257 </div>
257 </td>
258 </tr>
259 <tr>
260 <td valign="top">
260 <ul>
261 <li>
261 If the child is
261 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/remand.html"
target="_blank">
261 Remanded
261 </a>
261 or otherwise
261 <a
href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/keywords/lawfully_detained.html
" target="_blank">
261 Lawfully Detained
261 </a>
261 , s/he is Absconded;
261 </li>
262 <li>
262 The child's death may occur;
262 </li>
263 <li>
263 The child may be at risk of serious injury or harm, e.g. from adverse weather conditions
or the child's inability to stay safe;
263 </li>
264 <li>
264 The child requires essential medication/medical attention;
264 </li>
265 <li>
265 The child is likely to suffer Significant Harm;
265 </li>
266 <li>
266 The child may come into contact with a person who may pose them a risk. The child may be
injured, including self injury, and require medical attention;
266 </li>
267 <li>
267 There is a warrant for the child's arrest;
267 </li>
268 <li>
268 The child may commit a violent or criminal offence;
268 </li>
269 <li>
269 The child may be abducted;
269 </li>
270 <li>
270 The child is subject to Police Protection;
270 </li>
271 <li>
271 The child is subject to an Emergency Protection Order or Recovery Order.
271 </li>
272 </ul>
272 </td>
273 <td valign="top">
273 <ul>
274 <li>
274 Any guidance agreed within the child's Care Plan or Placement Plan;
274 </li>
275 <li>
275 Vulnerability due to age;
275 </li>
276 <li>
276 Particularly vulnerable (e.g. Learning/Physical disability);
276 </li>
277 <li>
277 In need of regular medication (e.g. diabetic);
277 </li>
278 <li>
278 Previous history of being missing;
278 </li>
279 <li>
279 History of self harming;
279 </li>
280 <li>
280 Possible involvement in crime;
280 </li>
281 <li>
281 Health, including mental health;
281 </li>
282 <li>
282 Weather (e.g. severe cold or heat), or geography (e.g. remote area);
282 </li>
283 <li>
283 Dependency on drugs and/or alcohol;
283 </li>
284 <li>
284 Known vulnerability of the child, raising concern that they may have been led into
danger, including sexual exploitation;
284 </li>
285 <li>
285 Known associates that give rise to heightened concerns over the missing child's safety
(e.g. associates known to be involved in criminal activities);
285 </li>
286 <li>
286 Degree of risk to the public;
286 </li>
287 <li>
287 Recent significant events, contributory factors and the child's state of mind at the
time of the absence;
287 </li>
288 <li>
288 Time of day/night;
288 </li>
289 <li>
289 Legal status.
289 </li>
290 </ul>
290 </td>
291 </tr>
292 </table>
293 <h3 class="h3">
293 <br />
294 <a name="section2" id="section2">
294 </a>
294 Section 2: Other factors that should be considered
294 </h3>
295 <p>
295 The following should be considered alongside
295 <a href="#section1">
295 Section 1: Indicators/Categories of Risk
295 </a>
295 .
295 </p>
296 <table title="Section 2: Other factors that should be considered" width="95%" border="1"
cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
297 <tr>
298 <td width="21%" valign="top" class="table_row_lightblue">
298 <span class="bold">
298 Age and level of understanding
298 </span>
298 </td>
299 <td width="79%">
299 Age and level of understanding Age is a factor, but not alone. Also consider level of
understanding, ability to make informed decisions, the child's ability to operate in urban
or rural environments, social and life skills, disability etc. The more able the child is,
the less concern staff should have.
299 </td>
300 </tr>
301 <tr>
302 <td valign="top" class="table_row_lightblue">
302 <span class="bold">
302 Number of Absences
302 </span>
302 </td>
303 <td>
303 Consider the number of times the child has absented him/herself and from what situations.
For example, children who have absented themselves from similar accommodations and returned
safely may be of less concern than those who are not known to staff or who do not normally
absent themselves.
303 </td>
304 </tr>
305 <tr>
306 <td valign="top" class="table_row_lightblue">
306 <span class="bold">
306 Behaviour whilst absent
306 </span>
306 </td>
307 <td>
307 Consider what the child does or is suspected to get involved in whilst absent on previous
occasions. Also consider how recent such problems have been. Higher levels of concern should
be attributed to those who are known, recently, to have placed themselves or others at risk
of significant harm. The factors that may result in higher levels of concern are that the
child has previously:
308 <ul>
309 <li>
309 Made contact with people who pose a risk to the child;
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 Been abducted;
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 Self injured or attempted suicide;
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 Committed or been associated with a serious or criminal offence;
312 </li>
313 <li>
313 Been subject to sexual exploitation;
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 Or other serious risks/concerns.
314 </li>
315 </ul>
315 </td>
316 </tr>
317 <tr>
318 <td valign="top" class="table_row_lightblue">
318 <span class="bold">
318 Circumstances on the day
318 </span>
318 </td>
319 <td>
319 The following are examples of circumstances, which may be considered in deciding the level
of concern on the day. The fact that they apply to a child does not automatically mean there
is a high level of concern; the decision rests with the manager having considered all the
circumstances:
320 <ul>
321 <li>
321 Out of character/unusual behaviour prior to disappearance;
321 </li>
322 <li>
322 Absence with no prior indication;
322 </li>
323 <li>
323 Possibility of sexual exploitation or being drawn into offending behaviour.
323 </li>
324 </ul>
324 </td>
325 </tr>
326 </table>
328 <p>
328 <br />
329 <br />
330 </p>
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