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How we respond

 
When a child is absent without permission, we want to encourage him/her to return as quickly and safely as possible and make sure he/she is treated positively on return.

Whoever discovers that a child has disappeared must inform either:

  • the senior manager on duty - if the chilld was in a residential home, or
  • the Social Services duty officer - if a child absents him/herself from foster care.

Who to inform

The Children's Services senior manager or duty officer will consider whether the child should be treated as absent or missing under the circumstances. 

If the child is temporarily 'absent' the senior manager or the duty officer will do whatever it takes to secure the safe and speedy return of the child.

If the child is 'missing', the senior manager or the duty officer will, without delay, inform:

  • the police: who will treat the matter as involving a vulnerable missing person
  • the parents (and those who have parental responsibility)
  • the social worker.

What do the police need?

  • a description of the child
  • when the child was last seen and with whom
  • a recent photograph
  • family addresses
  • known acquaintances
  • any previous history of absconding
  • the name and address of the child's GP and dentist
  • circumstances which increase the risk to a child should be drawn to the attention of the Police

Get ready for the child's return

If a child is gone for more than a few hours, Children's Services, in consultation with a social worker, parents and police, will start planning for when the child is found. Such plans should cover:

  • will the child return to the previous placement?
  • how will he/she get there?
  • do the police wish to interview the child before he/she is returned to his/her placement?
  • who will be an appropriate "independent person" to talk to the child after his/her return?
The police will co-operate with the plans developed by Children's Services to return a child to his/her residence.

Normally, Children's Services will make arrangements for the transportation of a child to his/her residence. Where appropriate, the police will assist in this.

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Health & social care

About Greenwich

Children's Services

  • 020 8921 3172

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