A consultation on working together for people who go missing in Scotland

Overview

A consultation on working together for people who go missing in Scotland

What is the purpose of this Strategy?

Our aim is to reduce the harm related to people going missing. 

This Strategy provides a framework for how organisations can reduce that harm by working together, and seeks to raise the profile of the issues connected with people going missing.  It doesn’t propose to create new systems alongside those that already exist, but to ensure that the prevention and handling of missing incidents is incorporated within these existing systems.

In delivering this, the Strategy is focussed on four main objectives:

• Preventative measures reduce the number of missing persons incidents.
• Responding appropriately to incidents.
• Supporting missing people and their families.
• Protecting vulnerable people to reduce the risk of harm.

This Strategy proposes a number of commitments that underpin each of those four objectives.

Contribution to National Outcomes

Reducing the harm related to people going missing in Scotland will contribute to many of the National Outcomes in the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework, including:

• We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk.
• Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.
• Our people are able to maintain their independence as they get older and are able to access appropriate support when they need it.
• We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.
• Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsible to local people’s needs.

Contribution to Local Outcomes

These national outcomes are reflected in local authorities’ Single Outcome Agreements, Community Safety priorities, and within Police Scotland’s purpose – to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland.

What happens next

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help us reach a decision on the questions contained in the consultation. We will analyse responses to support the completion of the strategy, which will be published in 2016.