HUNDREDS of children have gone missing from home or care on at least three occasions in Cheshire, new figures reveal.
Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire Police, and other local authorities and partners have pledged to work closer together to help children and young people who have run away or gone missing.
The new Pan Cheshire Joint Protocol 2015 to 2017 enables agencies to better collect and share data on runaway children.
Cheshire has had a protocol in place since 2011 but it has now been refreshed.
Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services said: “Our aim is to stop young people running away in the first instance by working collaboratively.
"This is why we are improving our preventative services for children and young people who are at risk of running away and this protocol will help us do this.
“But it is equally important that we have clear processes in place when children and young people do go missing, so we can respond quickly and effectively, the protocol will also help us to do this.”
Children experiencing difficulties can contact Catch22, a national charity and social business.
Catch22 offers a 24 hour helpline by calling 0808 168 9698.
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