‘Disappearing is a warning sign’: The important steps after a missing child is found
Around 70,000 children go missing in the UK every year, and although many are eventually found, the real crisis often lies in the circumstances that led them to disappear.
A safe return home is only the beginning. Just as important is understanding why a child went missing and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.
The reasons are diverse and often complex. Some young people disappear because they struggle with mental health issues. Others are fleeing abuse or are taken into care and exploited. For many people, getting lost is the only way they know to signal distress when they feel unheard or unsafe.
Independent and charity Missing People are aiming to raise £165,000 to launch SafeCall, a new free service to support children when they are most vulnerable. Designed with young people, SafeCall will offer confidential advice, guidance and a path to safety for those who feel they have nowhere else to go.
Former Metropolitan Police chief Parm Sandhu said: “Every missing incident is a warning sign. “Many children who are abused, abused or suffering from mental health problems will disappear long before they reveal their experiences.
“An appropriate interview, combined police response and follow-up support can be the difference between a one-off incident and a child being abused or suffering ongoing harm.”
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
When a person under the age of 18 is found after going missing, the police’s first job is to check if that person is safe.
The police should speak to the child as soon as possible to find out whether the child has been harmed, a crime has been committed or there is an immediate risk. Any concerns should then be shared with social services or other agencies.
Every child missing in the UK is offered the option of an ‘independent return home interview’, which must be offered within 72 hours of the child’s return.
Sarah Howley, who runs Missing Persons’ Hertfordshire support service, said talking to a child about why they were missing was vital to getting them the right help and preventing them from getting lost again.
He said: “Talking about being lost can open up a whole can of worms about what is really going on for this child and action needs to be taken on this.”
In some areas, such as Hertfordshire, the charity Missing People will carry out the interview.
The interview should focus on why the child is missing, whether they feel safe at home, any abuse issues or mental health issues they face and what support they need.
Ms Sandhu said: “Children go missing for many reasons – conflict or abuse at home, bullying, school pressures, mental health issues or being groomed by criminal networks.”
Depending on why a child is missing, they may receive support from social care assessments or safeguarding plans, support from specialist charities, mental health referrals, young person distress services and diversion programs or other relevant teams.
If a child disappears after being abused at home or in foster care, child services and perhaps the police will be called and professionals will evaluate whether their home is a safe place for them. Otherwise, they would have to find a safe place to stay.
Ms Howley said for children experiencing mental health issues they would assess what kind of help the child needed, which could be an urgent referral to hospital or referrals to mental health charities.
Any young person who is worried about returning home should know that there are always people around to help and support them, said Ms Howley: “There are always people who want to help and that’s why the Missing People helplines are there as that confidential space to get some support and some help.”
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service to help vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one is lost, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000 for advice, support and options. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help. If you are struggling or in distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and ROI).
