Wolverhampton undertook a missing audit in June 2021. The audit was a two part focus which quality assured:

1. The missing return interview
2. The follow up support by supporting agencies after the missing episode/return interview

One of the findings were that often missing episodes and risks were not being identified as part of assessments or safety plans as a risk in their own right. So although social workers and/or strengthening families staff were completing statutory duties we were unable to clearly see impact of any disruption/actions within the plans.

As a result we are currently in discussions with our eclipse at looking at a ‘trigger’ solution. Once the missing officer completes a return interview a trigger report will be sent to the lead professional reminding them of their statutory duties, timescales but also a request for how they will complete the recommendations suggested by the missing officer and share what will be put in place to reduce missing incidents and keep the young person safe.

These triggers will have timescales and alert managers once out of the deadline window.