Children go missing from home or care for a number of reasons, some of which are often varied and complex. Those young people who go missing may place themselves and others at risk. As well as short-term risks there can be long term implications for these children.
Gateshead LSCB and its partner agencies (particularly Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council) have a commitment to safeguarding those young people who go missing and put themselves at risk of exploitation and other forms of harm. There is a commitment for every ‘missing episode’ to attract the proper attention from the professionals involved with the young person.
Click on the link below to access the Gateshead LSCB and Northumbria Police Procedures regarding missing children and young people.
Gateshead LSCB and Northumbria Police (Gateshead Area Command) Procedures regarding missing children and young people.|
Gateshead LSCB Missing and Exploited Group (MEG) monitors children and young people who go missing from home or care and those who are at risk or are putting themselves at risk of sexual exploitation. The group meets monthly and is chaired by the Detective Inspector for Public Protection in Gateshead and is made up of representatives from a wide range of agencies working with children and young people in Gateshead.
The Goverment published revised statutory guidance on young children who go missing from home or care| in 2009 which can be accessed by clicking on the link. A summary of this guidance in relation to young people missing from care has also been produced for foster carers and care workers |is also available.