Written question WQ96370

We recognise the benefits of return home interviews following missing episodes and there are examples of good practice across Wales. We commissioned research to inform our approach, but it did not reach a consensus on whether return home interviews should be made mandatory and who should conduct them.

Children and young people who are in care already have a statutory right to access an independent advocate, including when they have been reported missing.

Under section 130 of the 2014 Act, local authorities must consider whether there are grounds for carrying out an investigation under section 47 of the Children Act 1989, when there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. Statutory guidance (Volume 5 of Working Together to Safeguard People) emphasises that direct communication with a child is essential to understand their views, wishes, and feelings. The Wales Safeguarding Procedures further clarifies that children must be seen alone (if age-appropriate and safe) to ensure they can speak freely without influence or fear.

Following a roundtable event in 2024 the Welsh Government established the ‘Safeguarding Children and Young People who are reported Missing from Home or Care’ stakeholder steering group. The Stakeholder Steering Group was assigned the task of reviewing the research and updating the All Wales Practice Guide to incorporate new insights. Additionally, the group was asked to map services for children who go missing in Wales and to identify the funding and delivery arrangements.

The stakeholder steering group are amending the All Wales Practice Guide ‘Safeguarding children who go missing from home or care’ to ensure children receive an offer of a meeting following a missing episode.

When the relevant guidance document is reviewed and finalised, the group will work with the Wales Safeguarding Procedures Board to finalise and launch it. The revised Practice Guide will now include a section on best practice in conducting a return home interview that is being co-produced with third sector and statutory partners and makes it clear that every child should be offered the opportunity to speak to someone about their experiences.