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Missing persons response reviewed Missing persons response reviewed
(about 2 hours later)
A taskforce is being set up to examine how the police, councils and other agencies can improve their response when people are reported missing.A taskforce is being set up to examine how the police, councils and other agencies can improve their response when people are reported missing.
The group will look at areas like data collection and the extension of measures nationwide.The group will look at areas like data collection and the extension of measures nationwide.
Charity Missing People estimates more than 200,000 people a year are reported missing in the UK - about two thirds of them children and young people. Charity Missing People estimates more than 200,000 people a year are reported missing in the UK - about two-thirds of them children and young people.
The taskforce will make recommendations to the government next year.The taskforce will make recommendations to the government next year.
Proposed changes are expected to come in later in the year.Proposed changes are expected to come in later in the year.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The distress of a loved one or family member going missing is unimaginable.Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The distress of a loved one or family member going missing is unimaginable.
"I hope the taskforce will lead to a better service for both those who go missing or run away and the families and friends they leave behind.""I hope the taskforce will lead to a better service for both those who go missing or run away and the families and friends they leave behind."
Among the taskforce's considerations will be:Among the taskforce's considerations will be:
  • Identifying barriers to agencies' effective responses and how they can be overcome
  • Clarification of agencies' roles and responsibilities
  • Whether new legislative powers or statutory duties for local organisations are needed
  • Identifying successful measures and examining their possible extension nationwide
  • Identifying barriers to agencies' effective responses and how they can be overcome
  • Clarification of agencies' roles and responsibilities
  • Whether new legislative powers or statutory duties for local organisations are needed
  • Identifying successful measures and examining their possible extension nationwide
The group will also look at making information collection more consistent in order to improve understanding of the issue.The group will also look at making information collection more consistent in order to improve understanding of the issue.
The fact that missing persons data is not compiled nationally by police or other agencies is due to addressed.The fact that missing persons data is not compiled nationally by police or other agencies is due to addressed.
Missing People charity says most missing persons return safely after a short time, but a significant number do not.Missing People charity says most missing persons return safely after a short time, but a significant number do not.
Chief executive Martin Houghton-Brown said: "The launch of this taskforce is a brave step forward in ensuring that not one of them is forgotten."Chief executive Martin Houghton-Brown said: "The launch of this taskforce is a brave step forward in ensuring that not one of them is forgotten."
Reasons for people going missing can include drug and alcohol abuse, mental health problems, family difficulties and debt, the charity says.Reasons for people going missing can include drug and alcohol abuse, mental health problems, family difficulties and debt, the charity says.