This procedure guides on-call managers responding to incidents where a participant is missing or has absconded and there is a reasonable concern for their safety. It aligns with national NDIS Practice Standards, duty of care, safeguarding obligations, and reportable incident requirements.

When This Procedure Applies

1. A participant cannot be located and their whereabouts are unknown.
   
2. A participant has left a service setting without authorisation and is assessed to be at risk.
   
3. There are immediate safety concerns due to health, behaviour, environment, or vulnerability.
   

Immediate Questions the Manager Must Ask

1. When was the participant last seen and by whom?
   
2. Where was the participant last known to be?
   
3. Does the participant have known risk factors (health needs, cognitive impairment, behaviour risks)?
   
4. Is the participant able to safely navigate the community independently?
   
5. Have any immediate searches been conducted and where?
   
6. Has police or emergency services been contacted, or is this required now?
   

Immediate Manager Actions

1. Assess the level of risk and determine whether police involvement is required.
   
2. Direct staff to conduct safe and appropriate local searches if suitable.
   
3. Ensure other participants are supervised and safe.
   
4. Escalate to emergency services immediately if there is significant risk.
   
5. Remain available and coordinate response until the participant is located.
   

Escalation Requirements

1. Escalate immediately to senior management.
   
2. Contact police where the participant is assessed to be at risk.
   
3. Notify guardians or decision-makers in line with consent and risk considerations.
   

NDIS Reporting Considerations

1. Assess whether the incident constitutes a reportable incident.
   
2. A missing person incident where there is serious risk may be reportable.
   
3. Ensure required notification timeframes are met.
   

Documentation Requirements

1. Complete an incident report as soon as practicable.
   
2. Document times, search actions, decisions made, and communications.
   
3. Record when and how the participant was located.
   

Post-Incident Follow-Up

1. Confirm participant wellbeing and arrange medical review if required.
   
2. Conduct staff debrief and wellbeing support.
   
3. Review risk assessments, supervision arrangements, and support plans.
   
4. Implement corrective actions to reduce recurrence.