Children who go missing from home, care and education
The multi-agency response to children and young people who go missing is considered in the weekly Missing Panel and (where appropriate) the Operational MACE. MACE stands for Multi-Agency Child Exploitation.
The Missing Panel terms of reference and practitioner guidance can be found below:
A 7-minute briefing on Bexley’s arrangements can be found here:
7-minute briefing Missing RHCs
The Philomena Protocol is a nationally recognised best practice tool supported by National Police Chiefs’ Council guidance. It assists carers, parents, residential providers, Police and local authorities to identify vulnerability, share information and reduce the risks associated with children going missing. Police guidance and documentation relating to the Philomena Protocol are set out below:
- MPS_Philomena Protocol Reporting Guidance for Children’s Homes
- MPS_Philomena Protocol Joint Responsibility Agreement
In addition, the Strategic Risk Outside the Home Meeting (StROTH) meets quarterly to consider the themes and trends identified by the Operational MACE – this meeting is co-chaired by the Police and the Local Authority Children’s Social Care.
Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. has partnered with Missing People to provide training, reflective workshops and practice evaluation – Missing People have a number of resources on their website:
https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/
