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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Missing Service User Response and Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear and structured approach to prevent, respond to, and manage incidents involving a missing service user within {{org_field_name}}. This policy ensures compliance with CQC regulations, the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

This policy aims to:

• Protect service users from harm by preventing them from going missing.
• Ensure a swift and effective response if a service user is reported missing.
• Work collaboratively with families, the police, and safeguarding authorities.
• Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities in preventing and responding to missing service user incidents.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteers.
• All service users, particularly those at risk due to cognitive impairments, mental health conditions, or physical disabilities.
• Families, advocates, and external professionals involved in the care and wellbeing of service users.
• External agencies such as the police, local safeguarding boards, and healthcare professionals.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014:
  • Regulation 9 – Person-Centred Care
  • Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect
  • Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment
  • Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment
  • Regulation 17 – Good Governance
  • Regulation 20 – Duty of Candour
• Care Act 2014 (Safeguarding provisions)
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Best interest decision-making)
• Children Act 1989 & 2004 (If the missing service user is under 18)
• The Missing Persons Framework for Local Authorities (2021)
• Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) and Safeguarding Children Partnership (SCP) Guidelines

4. Risk Assessment and Prevention

4.1 Identifying High-Risk Individuals

Some service users may be at a higher risk of going missing due to:

• Cognitive impairments such as dementia or learning disabilities.
• Mental health conditions leading to distress or confusion.
• Personal history of absconding or wandering.
• Emotional distress or a history of self-harm.
• Environmental factors, such as being in a new or unfamiliar place.

4.2 Prevention Strategies

To prevent missing service user incidents, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct individual risk assessments and incorporate preventative measures into care plans.
• Ensure secure but non-restrictive environments while maintaining the service user’s freedom and dignity.
• Utilise technology where appropriate, such as door alarms or GPS trackers, with consent.
• Educate staff on early warning signs of distress or wandering tendencies.
• Encourage family involvement and routine activities to increase stability.

5. Response to a Missing Service User

5.1 Immediate Action (First 30 Minutes)

When a service user is reported missing, the following immediate actions must be taken:

1. Check all known areas within the premises and surrounding locations.
2. Notify the senior on duty and initiate a search plan.
3. Review CCTV (if applicable) and interview staff and service users for last sightings.
4. Check service user records for known frequent locations or behaviours.

5.2 Escalation and Reporting (After 30 Minutes)

If the service user is not found within 30 minutes, the following actions must be taken:

1. Contact the police immediately, providing:
   • Name, age, and photograph (if available)
   • Description of clothing and appearance
   • Known medical conditions or risk factors
   • Any history of absconding or self-harm
   • Last known location and time
2. Inform the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) within {{org_field_name}}.
3. Notify the service user’s next of kin or advocate.
4. Continue searching locally while awaiting police response.
5. Complete a Missing Person Incident Report for documentation and investigation.

5.3 After the Service User is Found

Once the service user is located:

• Conduct a wellbeing check (physical and mental health assessment).
• Inform all involved parties (police, family, safeguarding lead, CQC where required).
• Debrief the service user to understand why they left and any distress they experienced.
• Update the care plan and implement additional preventative measures where needed.
• Conduct a staff debriefing session to evaluate the response and improve future handling.

6. Safeguarding Considerations

6.1 When Safeguarding Procedures Apply

If a missing service user incident suggests abuse, neglect, or a risk of harm, a safeguarding referral must be made under Regulation 13: Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment.

• If the service user was found in unsafe or exploitative conditions.
• If the absence resulted from coercion, financial abuse, or domestic violence.
• If the service user is at risk of being repeatedly reported missing.

6.2 Mental Capacity and Best Interest Decisions

• If a service user lacks capacity to make safe decisions, restrictive measures may need to be reviewed under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Advocacy services must be provided if significant changes to care plans are required.

7. Staff Training and Responsibilities

7.1 Training Requirements

All staff must receive mandatory training on:

• Understanding missing person risk factors.
• De-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Working with emergency services effectively.
• Mental Capacity Act and DoLS training.
• How to conduct and document risk assessments.

7.2 Roles and Responsibilities

• Support Workers & Carers: Identify risks, maintain observations, and conduct initial searches.
• Senior Staff on Duty: Coordinate searches, liaise with families, and manage escalation to police.
• Safeguarding Lead: Review incidents, oversee risk management, and report safeguarding concerns.
• Managers: Ensure policy implementation, staff training, and incident analysis.

8. Incident Review and Governance

8.1 Documentation and Reporting

• All missing person incidents must be recorded in detailed incident reports.
• Reports must include:
  • Time and date of disappearance
  • Risk factors and known triggers
  • Actions taken and search procedures
  • Outcome and recommendations

8.2 Audit and Continuous Improvement

• Quarterly audits will review missing service user incidents.
• Lessons learned will be incorporated into training and policy updates.
• Feedback from service users, families, and staff will be gathered to enhance prevention strategies.

9. Related Policies

• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant regulatory or operational changes occur. All staff will be informed of updates, and refresher training will be provided as necessary.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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