Children who decide to run away are unhappy, vulnerable and in danger. As well as short term risks to their immediate safety there are longer term implications as well with children and young people who run away being less likely to fulfil their potential and live happy, healthy and economically productive lives as adults. In July 2009 the Government published new statutory guidance setting how local authorities and agencies should respond when a child or young person goes missing.
A Missing Children Protocol has been developed by Hampshire Police and Children's Services in the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth local authority areas. It has been approved by each of the LSCBs. It should be read and implemented by all practitioners and managers working with children or young people who are at risk of going missing from home or care. It is intended that the protocol will assist in the development of robust responses to running away. Download the Missing Children Protocol 2010 here
Download the Missing Children Protocol 2010 here
