Philomena Protocol form for young people and children at risk of going missing

The Philomena Protocol is a process and form. It enables the capture of vital information about a young person or child at risk of going missing. The information is then available when needed, at a worrying and distressing time. The best practice protocol is named after the Patron Saint of Babies, Infants and Youths.

The process can start a conversation with the aim to prevent future episodes. It can also identify risks, and supports carers with actions to take. An up to date form can provide quality information. It may help the search begin without delay, to safely find the person.

Carers, guardians and parents should complete the form which contains:

• personal details and a description along with key people to contact
• risk factors
• agreement with the young person about their expected behaviour
• information about people and places, to help find them
• reasonable actions for the carer to take
• information the police will ask for

How to complete the form

Download the Philomena Protocol missing young person form

Complete as soon as possible with as much detail as you can. For further advice, official guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council is available. Once complete, the form belongs to the family or care provider or local authority. Please make sure you review the details often, and keep them up to date.

How to store the form safely

Complete the form as a digital version where possible. It can then be updated and shared with the police. Store the form securely on your computer system. It needs to be easy for you, or any other carer, to find it during the day or night. So that you do not rely on an individual computer, back the form up to password protected online storage.

Ownership of the form

Once complete, the form belongs to the care provider, parent or guardian of the young person. The police should not complete the form, or keep or store it on any police recording platform.

If a young person goes missing

If you discover the young person or child has gone missing, take reasonable steps to try and find them. The form will support you with actions to take.

If you cannot find them, you can report a missing person online. Use the Philomena Protocol form to provide information to the police.

If it's an emergency and the young person is in danger, phone 999 now.

There is an online missing person form for partner organisations. To provide all information to the police, you can upload the Philomena form there.

When the form should be given to the police

The police only need to see the completed form if the child or young person is reported as missing.

If a young person moves area

Please transfer the form to the new carer, who will now be responsible for keeping it safe and up to date.

If a young person transfers to your care from another area, check if they have an existing Philomena Protocol in place. You would now be responsible for keeping it safe and up to date.