Phoenix House Missing Child Policy
1. Introduction
Phoenix House is committed to safeguarding the young people in our care. This policy outlines the procedures to follow when a young person goes missing, in accordance with the Supported Accommodation Regulations. Our priority is to locate the young person quickly, ensure their safety, and reduce the risk of harm.
2. Definition of a Missing Person
A young person is considered missing if:
- Their whereabouts are unknown.
- They have left Phoenix House without permission and fail to return within a reasonable time.
- There are concerns about their safety or well-being.
3. Risk Assessment and Prevention
- Upon admission, each young person will have an individual risk assessment addressing their likelihood of going missing.
- Preventative measures, including regular key worker meetings and support plans, will be in place to reduce risks.
- Staff will build positive relationships with young people to encourage open communication and early identification of issues.
4. Procedure When a Young Person Goes Missing
- Initial Response:
- Staff will attempt to contact the young person via phone, text, or social media.
- Staff will check with friends, family, or known associates for information about their whereabouts.
- Reporting the Incident:
- If the young person does not return or is at risk, staff must report them as missing to the police within an appropriate timeframe based on the individual risk assessment.
- The local authority, social worker, and relevant agencies must also be informed immediately.
- Police and Multi-Agency Involvement:
- Phoenix House will provide the police with all relevant details, including a description, last known location, risk factors, and any vulnerabilities.
- Staff will liaise with the local authority and social worker to coordinate search efforts and safeguarding measures.
5. When the Young Person is Found
- Staff will ensure the young person receives a ‘return home’ discussion with a trusted professional to explore reasons for going missing and offer further support.
- The young person’s care and risk plans will be reviewed and updated to reflect any concerns.
- If necessary, referrals to specialist services (e.g., mental health, substance misuse support) will be made.
6. Recording and Monitoring
- All missing episodes must be documented, including details of when the young person went missing, actions taken, and outcomes.
- Patterns and trends will be analysed to identify any safeguarding concerns or improvements needed.
- Regular reports will be shared with relevant agencies to support risk management.
7. Staff Training
- All staff will receive training on missing child protocols, safeguarding responsibilities, and de-escalation techniques.
- Training will be updated regularly to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.
8. Review and Compliance
- This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident.
- Compliance with the Supported Accommodation Regulations will be monitored through internal audits and external inspections.
9. Conclusion
Phoenix House is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all young people. By implementing clear procedures and proactive support, we aim to prevent missing episodes and respond effectively when they occur.
This policy was adopted by Sandra Cohen | Date: March 1st 2025 |
To be reviewed: March 1st 2026 | Signed
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