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Missing Service User Response and Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured and immediate response to cases where a person we support goes missing, ensuring their safety while meeting our duty of care. This policy outlines the steps to prevent, report, and respond to missing person incidents in compliance with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS), SSSC Codes of Practice, and National Care Standards for Care at Home.

The policy aims to:

• Ensure a swift and coordinated response to locate and safeguard missing individuals.
• Outline clear preventative measures to reduce the risk of people going missing.
• Define roles and responsibilities of care staff, management, and external agencies in such incidents.
• Provide detailed guidance on record-keeping, reporting, and multi-agency collaboration.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff including care workers, managers, and administrative personnel.
• All people we support receiving domiciliary care.
• Families, advocates, and relevant professionals involved in the care of the person we support.
• External agencies, including local safeguarding boards, Police Scotland, and social work services.

3. Definitions

• Missing Person: A person we support is considered missing if they cannot be located at their expected location and their absence causes concern for their safety or wellbeing.
• Unauthorised Absence: When a person we support is absent but not at immediate risk, such as going to a known location without informing carers.
• High-Risk Missing Person: Someone whose disappearance poses a significant risk due to factors like vulnerability, mental capacity, or known history of wandering.

4. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
• Incident Reporting and Management Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
• Person-Centred Care and Risk Assessment Policy
• Lone Working Policy
• Emergency Response Plan

5. Prevention Measures

To minimise the risk of a person we support going missing, the following measures must be in place:

5.1 Personal Planning and Risk Assessments

• Each person we support must have a detailed care plan that includes:
  • Risk factors that could contribute to them going missing (e.g., dementia, mental health conditions, history of wandering).
  • Known locations they may visit.
  • Emergency contact details for family, carers, and professionals.
  • Agreed preventative strategies, such as reminders, supervision levels, or GPS tracking (if appropriate and consented).

5.2 Training for Staff

• All care staff must be trained on:
  • Recognising high-risk individuals.
  • Implementing preventative strategies.
  • How to react quickly and report missing incidents.
  • Communication with families, authorities, and emergency services.

5.3 Environmental Safety

• If applicable, care settings should have:
  • Secure door and window alarms for individuals at risk of wandering.
  • Supervised entry and exit protocols where necessary.
  • Regular check-ins for those identified as vulnerable.

6. Response Procedures for a Missing Person

If a person we support cannot be found, staff must immediately follow these steps:

6.1 Immediate Actions (First 10 Minutes)

1. Conduct a thorough search:
   • Check their last known location.
   • Contact family, friends, or places they usually visit.
   • Search the immediate vicinity.
2. Assess the level of risk:
   • Does the person have cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia, learning disabilities)?
   • Do they require medication that could affect their health if missed?
   • Do they have a history of wandering or self-harm?
3. If the person is found but appears distressed, disoriented, or unwell, seek medical assistance immediately.

6.2 Reporting the Incident (After 10 Minutes)

1. Escalate internally:
   • Inform the senior staff and the Registered Manager: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}
   • Update the person’s care plan and risk assessment.
2. Contact emergency services (if required):
   • Call Police Scotland (101 or 999 in an emergency) and provide:
     • Full name, description, clothing, and medical conditions.
     • Last known location and time.
     • Potential places they might go.
   • Notify the next of kin or designated emergency contact.
3. Notify relevant authorities:
   • If the person has a safeguarding plan, inform social services.
   • Report the case to the local safeguarding board if there are concerns about neglect or abuse:

{{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}}

Contact link: {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}}

4. Log all actions in real-time:
   • Use Incident Report Forms.
   • Update the person’s care records.
   • Record the exact time and nature of the disappearance, actions taken, and outcomes.

7. Return and Post-Incident Actions

Once the person is found, the following steps must be taken:

7.1 Immediate Health and Wellbeing Check

• Assess if the person requires medical attention.
• Ensure they are hydrated, warm, and comfortable.
• If applicable, contact a GP or emergency services.

7.2 Conduct a ‘Safe and Well’ Conversation

• Ask the person what happened in a non-judgmental way.
• Identify reasons for going missing (e.g., confusion, distress, intentional escape).
• Offer support or adjustments to prevent reoccurrence.

7.3 Review and Update Care Plans

• Update risk assessments and make necessary safeguarding referrals.
• Review staff supervision levels and intervention strategies.

7.4 Inform All Relevant Parties

• Notify family, police, and social services (if involved) that the person has been found.
• Complete a Missing Person Review Report to learn lessons from the incident.

8. Data Protection and Confidentiality

• All missing person incidents must be documented and stored securely in compliance with GDPR and SSSC Codes of Practice.
• Only authorised personnel can access and share information with relevant agencies.

9. Multi-Agency Safeguarding Approach

We work in partnership with:

• Police Scotland for urgent cases.
• Local authority safeguarding teams.
• Advocacy services (for people with communication needs).
• Healthcare professionals to assess the person’s mental and physical wellbeing.

10. Responsibilities

Care Staff

• Monitor individuals at risk.
• Follow response protocols immediately.
• Document and escalate concerns.

Registered Manager

• Ensure policies are followed.
• Review risk assessments after each incident.
• Liaise with external safeguarding agencies.

Families and Advocates

• Keep the care team informed of any changes in routines or behaviours.
• Provide input on missing person strategies.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if legislation changes. It will be updated in line with Care Inspectorate Scotland guidelines, National Care Standards, and SSSC Codes of Practice.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
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