The National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland – the first of its kind in the UK – works to prevent people going missing and respond quickly when they do. It sets out how partners including Police Scotland, the NHS, education services and third sector organisations can work together when someone is identified as being at risk of going missing.
Building on the progress to date, the Scottish Government has launched a refreshed framework, to include enhanced training for those working with people who have previously gone missing to better understand the underlying causes. Closer working will be supported between public protection teams and local child and adult protection committees to link resources and treat missing cases as part of their wider oversight work.
Protocols to collect key information for children, care experienced children and people living with dementia who are at risk of going missing will be promoted and implemented across Scotland. As a result, crucial information will be quickly available to police, meaning they can take action sooner when someone does go missing.