Our Return Home Interviews provide young people with a safe and supportive space to talk about their experiences after they have been missing from home or care. The purpose of the assessment is to understand the reasons behind their absence, identify any harm or risk they may have faced, and to agree on measures that can help prevent future episodes.

Conducted by trained, trauma-informed practitioners, our interviews follow statutory guidance and local authority procedures. We prioritise building trust and rapport with each young person, ensuring their voice shapes the conversation.

What the assessment includes:

• One-to-one interview in a safe and confidential setting

• Exploration of reasons for going missing and any experiences of harm or exploitation

• Identification of push and pull factors contributing to the behaviour

• Collaboration with the young person to develop a safety or support plan

• Reporting outcomes to the relevant local authority and professionals involved

Our approach focuses on early intervention and prevention — reducing risks such as exploitation, trafficking, or reoccurrence — and strengthening relationships between young people, families, and professionals.