Missing from Care: Prevention, Response & Safe Return

Join us for this session designed for professionals working with children and young people who may go missing from care. This seminar provides a clear, practical framework for preventing missing incidents, responding effectively when they occur, and supporting young people on their return, while meeting regulatory and safeguarding expectations.

📅 Date & Time: 9th June, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Live Online via Teams
📢 Early Bird Price: £40.5 + VAT (Register 2+ weeks before)
🎟️ Standard Price: £54 + VAT (Group Discount available for groups of 5+)

The session includes practical application of the Philomena Protocol, showing how to use it proactively to share key information with the police and strengthen multi-agency responses.

Why This Course Matters

Going missing is often an indicator of risk, vulnerability, and unmet need. Poor responses can increase harm, while effective, coordinated practice can significantly improve outcomes. This course will help participants:
✔️ Understand the drivers behind missing episodes, including trauma, exploitation, and peer influences
✔️ Implement preventative strategies that reduce the likelihood of young people going missing
✔️ Use the Philomena Protocol effectively to support police responses and information sharing
✔️ Respond to incidents in line with safeguarding procedures and regulatory expectations
✔️ Support young people through safe return, debrief, and recovery processes

Course Highlights

🔹 Understanding Missing Behaviour – Risk factors, patterns, and underlying needs
🔹 Prevention in Practice – Relationship-based approaches and safety planning
🔹 Using the Philomena Protocol – What it is, how it works, and practical implementation
🔹 Responding to Incidents – Reporting, recording, and multi-agency coordination
🔹 Return Home & Learning – Debriefs, reflection, and reducing future risk

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for social care professionals, managers, key workers, and safeguarding leads supporting children and young people in care. It is particularly relevant for those responsible for risk management, incident response, and partnership working with police and local authorities.

Meet Your Trainer: Pravina Patel

Pravina Patel is a senior leader in children’s social care with over 20 years of experience across children’s residential care, supported accommodation, safeguarding leadership, and education services. She has extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, Ofsted registration, and leading multi-site services supporting young people with complex needs. Pravina is particularly experienced in trauma-informed practice, contextual safeguarding, and strengthening governance systems that promote safe, high-quality care environments. She currently works as a Registered Service Manager and Responsible Individual, overseeing multiple services for young people and leading safeguarding, workforce development, and quality assurance systems.

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