Missing children

Unaccompanied children are some of those most at risk of going missing, and of staying missing long-term. These children will often already be vulnerable upon their arrival due to whatever drove them to leave their home country, and due to trauma they will likely have experienced on the journey. Going missing puts them at even greater risk as they may face serious harms, like trafficking and exploitation, and be hidden from help and support.

It is vital all professionals who have contact with unaccompanied children play a part in preventing them from going missing, and in safeguarding those who do go.

The introduction and enactment of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 is likely to increase the risk of some unaccompanied children going missing. Unaccompanied children face increased risks of going missing, but it should never be considered inevitable. Child-centred practice, across all relevant agencies, can help to ensure young people are made safer and given the opportunity to thrive.

Please refer to Supporting unaccompanied children who arrive in the UK and are at risk of going missing: Good Practice Guidance.