Reporting a FC missing - what would you expect to happen?

[freddiefrog]

FC has been with us since the summer, has settled in well, doing well at school, all seemed fine

We had meeting with their social worker yesterday which ended badly, with FC storming out of the house.

I had some contact with FC via text (wouldn't answer phone but initially responded to texts), they assured me they were fine and would be home at usual curfew time. Curfew time came and went, so reported FC missing to the police/out of hours team.

Apart from a phone call from Children's Services this at 9am morning, who wanted to find out how FC was feeling this morning (they didn't have a clue they'd been reported missing), I've heard nothing.

I've texted FC this morning, just asking them to let me know they're safe but no response as yet (I've tried calling their mobile but it rings then hits voice mail)

They left here last night in school uniform, no coat, a couple of quid and a mobile phone.

It's the first time I've had to do it, so I was expecting a little more action to be honest

[Fosterangel]

Our LA has a policy/procedure for when f/children go missing. If your LA has one it might be worth asking for a copy and then you can remind them of how much support both your family and your vulnerable f/child can expect.

[freddiefrog]

No, they're not.

I could understand if they were an older teen, but really they're still very young age wise and even younger maturity wise.

But they're back, safe and sound now and none the worse for it as far as I can see. Perhaps we'll see someone Monday

[amillionyears]

Is the fc near the age of 17? Dont say if you dont want to.

[Fosterangel]

So pleased to hear that your f/child has returned.

OOH ss was less than impressive.

Anyhow, all is heading in the right direction with the return of (probably a very tired and hungry!) f/child.

[freddiefrog]

Sorry, rant over

[freddiefrog]

I have been concerned about their apparent lack of interest

My SSW is also concerned that no one has been out to us, and no one has contacted us to make sure FC is ok.

FC is not allowed contact with parents due to concerns over their safety, yet FC spends several days there and it's apparent no one gives a shit

FC has never gone missing before, they had just been told really bad news, left this house distressed and their SW just stood there

I had to wait until FC had missed their curfew to report them missing, by which time, FC had arrived at the one place they're not allowed to be

FC has never been any trouble, has settled well, is working hard at school, and is a fabulous child really, and really deserves more.

SSW is concerned that FC's safety has now been compromised and they may now have to be moved from here (2nd move in 8 months) and its just not good enough

We've never really had much input from SS before, FC has taken everything in their stride so far, so I've been really surprised and disappointed by them. I think it's really shit

[amillionyears]

This is concerning.
It is easy to see how a child like this can go missing for a long time.
Glad FC has come back, of their own accord too.

[gallivantsaregood]

Freddie, so glad he came back. Hope he is ok? And Grrr at SW attitude!

[queststarz]

When I had a teen for respite - she went missing twice - refused to come back. I had to call the duty team (just leave my number saying i needed a call back) and report her missing to the police. Both times, the duty team called back to see what the issue was and i had to ring them if she returned. the police also came round to get a description, search her room. Her social worker also called the next day (she was found by police and returned at 3am). Her social worker was very concerned and good at keeping in touch, but guess it depends on the social worker! Hope he doesn't do it too often to you - its very worrying, especially at midnight, when you don't know whether to stay up in case the police bring them back or go and try to sleep!

[freddiefrog]

Thank you!

FC is now home, returned of their own accord.

Won't tell me where they've been though, but safe thank goodness

I rang OOH SS to update them, left a message at 8pm and had nothing back

None of my calls to SS have been returned, only the police have contacted me. It really does feel like we're on our own with this to be honest

[underworld888]

Hi freddiefrog,

I am sorry to hear whats happend and it is such a worry.

I have 15 fs and hes only been with me 8 week and for the 1st 4 weeks used to run away about 3 times a week, I had to do the same, ring police,SW etc and then just wait allways seems like its only u that cares, but i am sure they are out looking and hopefully find them soon.

Our fs allways turned his phone of and went to a mates house or families, but touch wood been 4 weeks since he went missing.

[freddiefrog]

Well, I've heard a bit more now

SS think they're with their birth family. Police have been out several times and think they are being hidden with other family members

It's all now official as a missing person, it's in the local press and stuff so hopefully we'll see a bit more action

[Fosterangel]

Does FC need to charge up their mobile phone yet or need clean clothes yet?

Just thinking about how you could draw FC back to you now that the dust has settled a bit. Thank heavens you are able to text/voicemail.

What a worry xx.

[OodKingWenceslas]

The way our system works is that the OOH would put a report in the child's record which would be seen as soon as their SW logged in, the police would send a report in which might not be as quickly but would be seen the same way.
The police would have a pic/check usual places, SW may do the same today if they had any ideas( family home etc).

[freddiefrog]

Hi, thanks for asking

No, they're not. SS think they know where FC the (one place they're categorically not allowed to be) but not much else has happened

My SSW is chasing constantly but he's not getting anywhere either

I can't quite believe how useless they're being to be honest.

[gallivantsaregood]

Hi Freddie: Any news of FC? Is he home? Hope so xx

[freddiefrog]

Thanks!

FC has finally let me know they're ok. I texted to ask them to just check in so I know they're safe. They wouldn't tell me where they were, but it's some sort of response.

Still not a lot of contact from anyone else, but there's nothing else I can do other than sit and wait and hope they come home tonight, or at least they're safe and warm

[gallivantsaregood]

Hope FC is ok. x

[freddiefrog]

Thanks

I've rung police and social worker. All promised they'd call back, nothing yet

SW was surprised she hadn't been told and was going off to find the report and would call me back. Nothing yet

[gallivantsaregood]

Sorry for all the typos

[gallivantsaregood]

I haven't had to do this in relation to fostering but have in relation to chilkdren who lived in a children's home. Procedure was that we would notify police/parents/out of hours or Sw depending on time.

We would complete missong person form and police would come and collect it, search the building( this ALWAYS happened and fairly quickly) and then they were supposed to look for young person. This wasn't always the case though. A lot depended on the child and what the known risk to that child were.

Can you ring police and ask for an update? What was SW response to find out Y/p was missing?

Hugs, not a nice situation