Home Office minister visits Missing People charity ahead of International Missing Children’s Day
The minister toured the offices and learnt about the Child Rescue Alert System, a crucial tool in helping locate missing people.
The minister met the charity’s Chief Executive Jo Youle and heard from staff how the charity’s helpline provides vital support for missing people and their families.
There was also a demonstration of the Child Rescue Alert System, which is designed to alert the public to an abduction or other high risk child disappearance.
Touring the office, the Minister learnt about plans for this year’s #TheBigTweet, which the Home Office will again be supporting this year. Since last year’s social media campaign, ten of the children and young people featured in #TheBigTweet appeals have been found.
Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation, Karen Bradley, said:
This government recognises that missing children are particularly vulnerable to harm and exploitation, and that they, and their families, deserve the best possible support and protection.
International Missing Children’s Day is an opportunity to raise vital awareness of these children and young people.
I look forward to working closely with Missing People and other partners and am delighted to offer my support to ‘The Big Tweet’. I encourage everyone to get involved.
Chief Executive of Missing People, Jo Youle, said:
We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Missing People today and to introduce her to the work of the charity within the first fortnight of her new role.
We discussed priorities for improving services and support for missing people and their families including the need for guardianship legislation to enable families to protect their missing loved one’s finances and property, and the need for better support for children and adults who return from being missing.
I really look forward to working closely with the Minister and welcome her keen interest in the work of the charity and the needs of vulnerable missing people and their families.
Sign up to receive Child Rescue Alerts. For more information about #TheBigTweet visit www.missingpeople.org.uk