A new initiative between Bedfordshire Police, Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Council, has been launched which will help locate vulnerable children or young people who have gone missing.
The Philomena Protocol asks carers to identify children and young people who are at risk of going missing, and to record vital information about them on a dedicated form, such as a recent photograph, a description, who their friends are and whether they have gone missing before.
By completing the form with the child or young person, the care provider has the opportunity to discuss, better understand and address any underlying factors that may be prompting or influencing missing episodes so the underlying causes can be identified and addressed.
If the child or young person does go missing, the carer responsible is to take reasonable steps to locate them before contacting the police and activating the Philomena Protocol.
The form will then become available to the attending officers, so they have the information needed to help locate the missing person.
Working with partners
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Eaton from Bedfordshire Police’s Public Protection Unit commented on the introduction of the protocol.
“By introducing the Philomena Protocol in Bedfordshire, we can work with our partners to ensure that when a child or young person goes missing from their place of care, everything possible is done to reduce risk and harm and enable their safe return, as well as looking to prevent repeat missing occurrences.
“This follows on from the success of the Herbert Protocol, which is a similar scheme to ensure that vulnerable people living with dementia, who are at the risk of going missing, are located quickly and offered further wraparound support by partner agencies.
“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities are protected and safeguarded, and the Philomena Protocol will help with this by increasing the opportunity to find a missing individual quickly and safely.”
Cllr Steve Owen, (Independent/Leighton Linslade West) Executive Member for Children’s Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Keeping children safe is a priority and a responsibility that we all share.
“When a young person goes missing, time is critical and having the right information ready can make all the difference.
“The Philomena Protocol is an important tool to help keep children and young people in Bedfordshire safe, helping professionals act fast to bring a child home safely and ensure they get the support they need.”
You can find out more about the Philomena Protocol here.
