Philomena Protocol
What is the Philomena Protocol?
The Philomena Protocol is a Police initiative to help locate and safely return a young person as quickly as possible when they are missing.
The basis of the scheme is for vital information about the young person to be recorded on a form so that this can be used to help locate them safely and quickly.
The form should then be stored safely - either in electronic format on a computer, or a printed version. It may need to be located quickly, at any time of day or night, by the person who needs the information to begin the initial searches. When the form is complete, it will contain confidential information about a person so it should be stored securely.
Any partner agency required to complete the form will become the owner of the data and must store it appropriately. The form can be downloaded on this webpage.
We will only ask for a copy of the form, or the information in the form, if the person is reported missing.
When Should I complete the form?
Complete part 1 as soon as possible.
Complete part 2 in the event that the young person goes missing.
What should I do with the form when it is complete?
Please keep it in a safe location where you can find it quickly. The police will only ask for a
copy of it if the person it refers to has been reported missing.
What should I do if the young person goes missing?
You should make enquiries straight away to try and locate them. If you cannot locate them then you should call 101 and ask for the police - have your Philomena Protocol Forms to hand. In an emergency you should dial 999.