In all missing persons cases you are advised to first contact the police and file a missing persons report, listen to the police advice given and act accordingly.

Missing Children

In relation to "missing children", a child (ie a young person under the age of 18 years) is considered "missing" if he/she is absent from his/her place of residence without authority in circumstances where the absence causes concern for their safety or 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 disappear 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 by accident. This kind of boundary testing activity is considered to be within the range of normal teenage behaviour and should not come within the definition of "missing" in this case.

Missing Adults

For adults to be considred "missing", he/she must be absent from their residence for a minimum period of 24 hours.

Enquiring about a Missing Person

To make a general enquiry about a missing child or adult, contact:

Essex Police - http://www.essex.police.uk/

National Missing Persons Helpline: Tel: 0500 700 700 - UK Freephone 24 hour helpline or visit http://www.missingpersons.org/