Children and young people who go missing including those who go missing from care

Joint Protocol

The Joint Protocol is between the Directorate of Children's Services and Humberside Police.  It explains what the duties are for each organisation when a child or young person goes missing.

It is estimated that nationally 77,000 children and young people run away every year including 20,000 who are under the age of 11 (T Blair Nov 2002). Young people who run away are amongst the most vulnerable in our community.  They are more likely to be at risk, socially excluded and isolated in their education.

Most young people do not run away for good and usually soon return to the place they left.  However each case that comes the attention of the Police or the Local Authority will be responded to quickly and the risks to the child identified.

This joint protocol explains the difference between young people who have run away and those who are absent without authorisation.  It also emphasises the joint role between agencies in identifying the whereabouts of a child and ensuring their safety.

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Joint Protocol for Children and Young People Who Go Missing (pdf) (3152 KB)

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