Philomena Protocol – Safeguarding young people

The Philomena Protocol is a national scheme encouraging agencies, carers, guardians, families and friends to record vital information which can be used in the event of a vulnerable young person going missing.

If you care for a young person, under 18 years old, who is at risk of going missing, you can record information about that person on a form and keep it updated until needed.

If the young person is reported as missing, you can then provide the information to the police to help us locate them quickly and safety.

The information recorded includes:

• a physical description
• a recent photograph
• who their friends are
• places they frequently visit
• a medication list
• whether they have gone missing before

The form also offers guidance on what checks to complete before you contact us to report a missing young person.

Next steps

1. Download and complete the Philomena Protocol form and keep in a safe place.
2. If the young person has been reported as missing, email the completed form to: commscentreinbound@avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Report a missing person

If you are concerned someone has gone missing, follow our guidance on how to report a missing person.