Research & Evaluation

“We’re told not to make everything about race, but it is about race.”

National statistics show that Black children are disproportionately likely to go missing, with 16% of all missing children being Black compared to only 6% of the general population. Research has also revealed concerning disparities in the response to, and outcomes for Black children when they go missing, including that they are more likely to be missing for longer than other missing children; are less likely to be found by the police; and are less likely to have risk factor vulnerabilities identified in relation to their missing episode. However, there has been little research evidencing the lived experience of Black children and their families, and to what extent that reflects the picture shown in the data.

This new research, carried out by ListenUp and Missing People, aims to explore Black children and their families’ lived experiences of going missing, to try to better understand:

• Why are Black children more likely to go missing than other children?
• Why are Black children more likely to be missing for longer than other children?
• What response are Black children and families receiving from professionals, and does this differ from the response other children and families receive? 

Read the full report here, or executive summary here.

The focus of this research has been on hearing the voices of children and young people themselves, as well as parents of children who have been missing. The report includes quotes directly from interviews and focus groups, to ensure their direct views and experiences are centred in our understanding of these issues, and in recommendations for improving the response in future.

Key Findings

1. Reasons for missing: Exploitation and conflict or problems at home are common drivers of missing incidents for all children, however, our research found that these risks may be particularly pronounced for Black children. A lack of a sense of belonging or identity was seen to increase vulnerability to going missing.
2. Lack of value and care: Black young people consistently reported feeling undervalued compared to their White peers. Poor media representation further exacerbates this issue, as Black missing children receive less attention and care.
3. Racism: Racial biases against Black children and their families impact risk assessments and safeguarding responses. Black children are often stereotyped, adultified and criminalised, hindering their access to necessary support.
4. Trust in Services: Many Black families lack trust in services, including the police. Firsthand experiences of racism and indifference contribute to this lack of confidence.

“My White friends who went missing had lots of people looking for them, but my cousin who’s Black was missing for a week and it felt like no-one was looking for him.” Young person

VIEW THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our team met with a total of 22 Black young adults in the secure estate across five prison sites in England, between January-April 2023. This included one focus group with multi-agency professionals, for the methodology.

• Black people are over-represented both as missing individuals and missing incidents.
• Black looked after children are over-represented in missing reports – While 7% of looked after children are Black, 10% of all children who are looked after and go missing are Black.
• Black children were the most likely to be missing for over 48 hours and over 7 days. 20% of incidents related to Black children were for longer than 48 hours, compared to 14% of incidents related to Asian children 10 and 13% of incidents related to White children.