National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland

Risk Assessment - moving toward a consistent approach

It is, of course, vital to assess the level of risk involved when someone goes missing and to be able to communicate that to others. However, there are currently different methods of risk assessment being used around Scotland.

Therefore, to provide professionals working in different settings with a consistent definition of risk, this Framework proposes that a consistent 'low', 'medium' and 'high' approach is adopted across Scotland.

This approach has already been used by partners in recent pilots in care and NHS settings mentioned above, and evaluation has been positive. A more detailed guide to the 'low', 'medium' and 'high levels of risk can be found in Annex C.

Crucially, through this risk management process, agencies are able to recognise that all reports of missing people sit within a continuum of risk, ranging from relatively little risk through to high-risk cases which require immediate, concerted action from agencies. Reviewing risk levels remains important for all agencies involved to assess changing circumstances.