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:
Read the full report here, or the 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:
“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
We have launched a regular email so that you can be aware of new missing person appeals and share them far and wide! We are also calling on all Heroes to be the eyes and ears for Missing People on the ground. Your sighting of a missing person could make a difference in a crucial time.