Unathorised Absence

Young people go missing for a variety of reasons and Child Care Officers should try to find out what is the root cause. The reasons a young person gives for going missing  should be listened to seriously and if possible acted upon.

Being missing from care is not a positive option. It often puts young people at risk in a variety of ways and workers should help them to appreciate the possible results for them.

Reporting a young person missing to the police should be the response to them being at risk and vulnerable, not used as a sanction or a threat.

Young people must feel that Child Care Officers care about them and if they are about to put themselves at risk, staff will be anxious and they should say so. They need to give the consistent message 'I care' I don't want you to stay out at night, it is not safe.

Each young person has an individual risk assessment agreed by their social worker outlining appropriate timescales for responding to an unauthorised absence. 

Howestead Lodge is not a “Secure Unit” therefore, generally there are no restrictions on the child or young person entering or leaving the premises other than the building security system.  There are exceptions, for example when a child or young person places him / herself or others at risk or if it is known in advance that a crime may be committed.  Nevertheless it is the duty of all staff to be aware, and monitor the whereabouts of all children or young people in their care.  By implementing this policy a child or young person not being in the right place at the right time will become evident without delay.  Any member of staff who feels reasonably satisfied that a child or young person is missing should immediately put in operation the following procedures:

1) Contact the police.
2) Contact the Parent or Person with Parental Responsibility.
3) Contact the young person’s social worker or a member of their Local Authority Social Services Department  (if in normal working hours).
4) Notify their EDT (Emergency Duty Team) if necessary and it is out of normal working hours.

On a child’s or young person’s return, those persons or authorities who had been advised that the child or young person had been on unauthorised absence must now be advised of his / her return.  The police must be advised first. 

On the child’s or young person’s return it should be explained to those who were concerned for the child’s or young person’s safety whilst absent. The child or young person should be welcomed back and reintegrated within the house and staff.  There should be a post incident talk with the child or young person. Where appropriate, attempt to ascertain the reason for the unauthorised absence.

The following matters should be addressed:

Is the child or young person sustained, in other words, does he or she need food and drink, is he or she comfortable, does he or she require medical attention.  Voice concern for the child or young person’s welfare and safety whilst he or she has been gone.  There should be no retribution for the unauthorised absence, and all efforts to settle him / her back into the good running of the house must be facilitated.

On admission children or young people and significant others will be informed of this procedure and will be expected to confirm by signature that they have received the information.

Records of any unauthorised absences will be entered in the child’s or young person’s and Howestead Lodge files.