Bury Integrated Safeguarding Partnership
Working together to safeguard adults and children in Bury
Herbert Protocol - Safe and found
Do you care for someone who has dementia and worry that they might go missing?
People still need their independence and the Herbert Protocol can help to reassure their family and friends that, if their loved one does go missing, they can quickly pass relevant information to the police. In the event that a loved one with dementia goes missing, we believe that the Herbert Protocol can enable relevant information to be shared more effectively which will aid efforts to locate and return them home safely, more quickly.
if your loved one goes missing and this information is handed to the police, the information and photograph can be circulated to all front line police officers and PCSOs via their mobile devices.
With an ageing population and improvements in diagnosis, dementia is something that will almost inevitably affect us all, either personally professionally or both.
The protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme being introduced locally by Greater Manchester Police and other agencies which encourages carers and family members to compile useful key information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
The Herbert Protocol will put systems in place to allow for early intervention when vulnerable people go missing.
The idea is to complete a form recording all vital details relevant to the person who could potentially go missing. This can include: places frequented; medication required; general routines; description and recent photograph.
In the event your family member or friend does go missing, the form can be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.
This form, and the information it contains, is designed to help remove some of the stress. It provides those involved in the search for a missing person with essential information to promote their safe return.
Who is at risk?
Any one identified as having a risk of wandering with dementia and alzheimer's or other mental vulnerability.
Who fills the form in?
The person at risk, their family, a friend or a care provider can fill in the form.
Please seek permission from the person at risk, however if this is not possible the family member, friend or care provider should make a 'best interests' decision.
When should the form be sent to the police?
The police only need the form if the person is reported missing. There is no need to send it before then.
Where should the form be stored?
The form should be stored somewhere it can be found quickly in places such as home care folders or it should be stored securely in the care setting, in accordance with data protection laws.
It's a good idea to have the information with family or people who may identify the person as missing.
Printed or electronic form?
Electronic is preferable, however, hard copies can also be used.
What should a care provider do if the person goes missing?
After you have conducted an 'open door' search of the address, grounds and outbuildings and you believe a person is missing, alert the police at the earliest opportunity.
Keep people with dementia Safe & Found.
