🔍 Missing persons
Definition
We’ll class somebody in a Life House as “missing” if one or more of the criteria below apply:
- If the person is absent longer than expected.
- If contact with the person is not reciprocated within a given time frame.
- If there are suspicious and/or concerning circumstances.
- The absence is out of character or constitutes unusual behaviour.
- There are indications that the person is not staying at homes of others known to them or cannot be easily located.
Procedure
If someone is missing, we will:
- Raise all concerns with our Line Manager and Safeguarding Departmental Representative (SDR).
- Attempt to contact the missing person using contact number(s) given. We will leave a message on the phone voicemail and on text to the person informing them that there is concern for their welfare. We will give a time deadline for a response after which the concern will be escalated and inform the person of what those next steps will be.
- Contact next of kin for information and raise concerns on the whereabouts of the missing person. If the next of kin wants to lead on escalation we will be there in a supportive role, otherwise our procedure would continue.
- Where agencies are involved with the individual that is suspected of being missing, we will contact them, and share concerns.
- Contact the police to share our concerns and give details of the missing person. Housing retains physical characteristic information of clients to report to the police if required.
- Refer to the local arrangements set out in any protocols within housing contracts as appropriate.
In instance of such an emergency we would use and possibly share personal information to help in locating the individual to ensure their safety. This will always be in accordance with GDPR policy and procedures.
On finding the missing person
We will reaffirm all guidance and expected protocol around absence management for the area of the charity the person is associated with.
On the return of the missing person, there may be a need to help them come to terms with any events that may have occurred whilst they were missing. This may involve us making referrals to specialised agencies for support.
