Going Missing
If you’re feeling unhappy or unsettled, you might feel like running away from everything.
The truth is that running away doesn’t help to sort things out.
The first step to making things better is to talk to someone that you trust. This could be a:
- friend
- family
- foster carer/ carer
- a professional, your social worker, teacher or a missing chat worker.
If you don’t want to talk to someone that you know, you can also contact:
- Childline
- Get help and support - Missing People call the Runaway Helpline where someone will listen to you and offer support
What happens if you go missing?
If you go missing, your carers have a duty to tell the police and your social worker. To help keep you safe, they will need to share personal information with the police like:
- an up to date photo of you
- contact details of your friends and family
- detailed information about your situation and any particular risks, like needing to take medication, people and places that are not safe for you to visit
Returning from a missing episode.
When you return or are found by police, your carers will welcome you home and make sure you have everything you need.
Different professionals will want to talk to you to check you are ok. It might feel overwhelming, try to remember they are doing this to help you to feel safe, not to punish you.
A police officer will talk to you to check you are ok and ask about what happened whilst you were missing, this is called a ‘safe and well check'.
Your social worker will also contact you to make sure you are ok.
A Missing Chats worker will contact you by letter and phone to offer you a Missing Chat.
What is a Missing Chat?
If you are reported missing, when you return you will be offered a Missing Chat, which is an opportunity for you to talk to someone independent from your social care team about how you are feeling and the reasons why you went missing and what help and support you might need.
Missing Chats are choice based, meaning you get to choose if you would like to take up the offer and if so where and when you would like it to take place. Initially you will be sent a letter to offer the Missing Chat, one of the Missing Chat workers will also try to call you.
Missing Chat workers understand that children and young people are reported missing for many different reason. They understand that it can be difficult at times, and sometimes it can feel like decisions have been made for you that you do not always agree with. They can help you think about the best way to deal with any issues, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do.
You might feel that you have been reported missing incorrectly or unnecessarily, as a part of the Missing Chat they can explore this with you and what support you might need to help other people understand what is going on for you.
Is it confidential?
The Missing Chat is about exploring why you went missing the best way to solve any issues that might make you go missing again. In doing so Missing Chat workers will share what you have discussed with appropriate workers to make sure you are safe and your issues are dealt with. The Missing Chat worker will explain this to you, to make you understand what information is going to be shared.
Can I request a Missing Chat?
Yes, you don’t have to wait for Missing Chats workers to contact you, they can be contacted via the details below.
Call 07920 286299 or Email: missingchats@essex.gov.uk