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Children missing from care and from home a guide to good practice

In responding to the Children's Safeguards Review in 1998 the government announced an intention to issue statutory guidance on action relating to missing children. Based on research commissioned at the University of York, this DH document presents guidance on good practice aimed at improving practice among local authorities, the police, health professionals, and voluntary organisations in relation to children who go missing from local authority care and from home. The document sets out strategies and procedures for collaborative action on missing children, and advises on prevention, risk assessment, and supporting carers. An appendix summarises the legal framework. The guidance is accompanied by local authority circular, LAC (2002) 17. Cites numerous references.

• LAC (2002)17