Missing persons

It is possible that a pupil might go missing in suspicious or worrying circumstances, with a significant risk of them coming to harm. Sadly, for some, running away may be something they have done before, whereas for others their disappearance may differ significantly from their normal pattern of behaviour. Abduction by a stranger, or non family member, is the most feared but least likely reason for a young person to disappear.

When a pupil goes missing students and staff may be traumatised and some counselling may be needed. Irrespective of whether a student goes missing from home or school, it is likely that the school will become involved either directly or indirectly. There could also be some media interest.

If a runaway returns, he or she will require sensitive reintegrating into school.

Having a strategy

To help prepare for such a situation schools may find it beneficial to develop a strategy that will identify key staff with designated responsibilities for each aspect of a missing-person scenario. It will also help identify training needs, such as training teachers to spot the signs of a potential runaway and to take preventative steps. A strategy with detailed procedures will assist and support teachers as well as ensuring that the school’s strategy is acted upon correctly.

When looking at arrangements it is likely that the governing body and the head teacher will agree what these will be. The LEA or local diocese may also be able to provide assistance. It is also worth involving experts from social services and the police according to the particular circumstances. It may also be worth seeking advice from counselling experts to devise a checklist for dealing with counselling, and from media-relations experts on dealing with the media.

Where there are arrangements in place, it is important that new teachers are trained in these procedures and that the plan is reviewed regularly. This review should include keeping contact details for school staff, the LEA, social services, police and other organisations up to date and easily accessible. Sample communications with parents such as letters or emails can also be drafted to ensure any correspondence is suitable for sensitive situations. This will enable a school to take swift, planned and appropriate action should a pupil go missing.

Source: Based on text provided by the Missing Persons Helpline.

Accidents Fire Flooding Terrorism Security and personal safety Medical conditions Missing persons Missing-persons management Identifying potential runaways	Missing persons It is possible that a pupil might go missing in suspicious or worrying circumstances, with a significant risk of them coming to harm. Sadly, for some, running away may be something they have done before, whereas for others their disappearance may differ significantly from their normal pattern of behaviour. Abduction by a stranger, or non family member, is the most feared but least likely reason for a young person to disappear. When a pupil goes missing students and staff may be traumatised and some counselling may be needed. Irrespective of whether a student goes missing from home or school, it is likely that the school will become involved either directly or indirectly. There could also be some media interest. If a runaway returns, he or she will require sensitive reintegrating into school. Having a strategy To help prepare for such a situation schools may find it beneficial to develop a strategy that will identify key staff with designated responsibilities for each aspect of a missing-person scenario. It will also help identify training needs, such as training teachers to spot the signs of a potential runaway and to take preventative steps. A strategy with detailed procedures will assist and support teachers as well as ensuring that the school’s strategy is acted upon correctly. When looking at arrangements it is likely that the governing body and the head teacher will agree what these will be. The LEA or local diocese may also be able to provide assistance. It is also worth involving experts from social services and the police according to the particular circumstances. It may also be worth seeking advice from counselling experts to devise a checklist for dealing with counselling, and from media-relations experts on dealing with the media. Where there are arrangements in place, it is important that new teachers are trained in these procedures and that the plan is reviewed regularly. This review should include keeping contact details for school staff, the LEA, social services, police and other organisations up to date and easily accessible. Sample communications with parents such as letters or emails can also be drafted to ensure any correspondence is suitable for sensitive situations. This will enable a school to take swift, planned and appropriate action should a pupil go missing. Source: Based on text provided by the Missing Persons Helpline.	National Missing Persons Helpline
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.