If you suspect a child is missing:
You should first contact the police and file a missing persons report. Listen to what the police say and act accordingly.
To make a general enquiry about a missing child, contact:
Missing children
In relation to missing children, a child (under the age of 18) is to be considered missing if they are absent from their place of residence without authority to a degree or in circumstances where either:
- the absence causes concern for safety of the child
- there is potential danger to the public
Absences that cause concern are those where staff or carers have no indication that a child is likely to return within a short space of time or where there is immediate concern for the child's safety.
Clearly some children absent themselves for a short period and then return. Often their whereabouts are known. They are not considered at risk and usually they are testing boundaries. Sometimes children stay out longer than agreed either on purpose or unwittingly. This kind of boundary testing activity is well within the range of normal teenage behaviour and should not come within the definition of ‘missing’ for this protocol.
Children missing from social care
Children who go missing from social services care invariably place themselves, and often others at risk.
The reasons for their absences are varied and complex and cannot be viewed in isolation from their home circumstances and their experiences of care.
The police are frequent partners of social services in managing missing children and it is therefore important that staff in both agencies work together.
To make a specific enquiry about a Hounslow child who has absconded from care or considered to be a missing:
If the child has an allocated social worker, you should contact their team directly.
Alternatively:
- phone: 020 8583 6600 (Option 1)
- email: childrensocialcare@hounslow.gov.uk
Children's Services
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW3 3EB
Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.45pm.
Out of office hours (after 5pm weekdays or weekends) you can call 020 8583 2222 and ask to speak to the duty social worker.
You do not have to give your name and your conversation will be treated confidentially.
