Contrary to popular belief, it is very rare that children and adolescents go missing purely as attention seeking behaviour.

The Malta Independent on Sunday delved deeper into the subject of disappering children after what seemed to be a surge in missing person reports over the past weeks, including a teenager who repeatedly went missing from the care home she resides in.

Commissioner for Children Pauline Miceli, as well as clinical psychologist Anna Cassar spoke with The Malta Independent on Sunday, giving a general overview and reasons as to why children go missing as well as what can be done to prevent such a situation in our country.

While armchair critics are often quick to come to conclusions, the two experts say there may be a variety of reasons behind these cases, and society needs to evaluate this “sad reality” and consolidate ways to protect and safeguard the physical, emotional and social well-being of this vulnerable age group.

The figures

Although the number of missing children cases in Malta might be low, raising awareness and knowing what to do to prevent a child from going missing is crucial for every individual to know.

According to police statistics, around 90 people under the age of 18 years are still missing when looking at the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 in Malta and Gozo.

Since 2018, a total of 778 reports of missing persons have been filed. Therefore, the majority of cases have been accounted for – a significant number of 688 of the missing persons were eventually found.

When looking at the figures in correspondence with the year, statistics show that in 2018 a total of 201 reports of missing persons were filed – 170 females, 31 males. Out of the total, 196 people were claimed as found, whilst 5 are still missing.

2019 figures show that a total of 295 reports were filed – 228 females, 67 males. Out of the total, 282 of the missing persons were eventually found, whilst 13 persons are still missing.

In addition, in 2020, a total of 282 reports were filed – 134 females, 148 males. Out of the total, figures show that 210 people were found, whilst 72 are still missing.

Meanwhile, of the people who are still missing in 2020 (72), 5 of them are Maltese nationals while 67 are foreign. 

The vast majority of missing person reports throughout the three years – 2018, 2019, 2020 -  concern women, however, most of them were eventually found. 74 males and 16 females are still reported as missing.

Police statistics also show that the average age of missing persons is 15 years.

Each case is different

A missing child is a nightmare for any parent, but there is no harm to be prepared and fully comprehend what can be done to keep children safe.

Commissioner Miceli (above) highlighted that although each and every missing person case is different, the cases of missing children who come to her attention are those of young children, whose parents are separated and the abducting parent, very often foreign and living abroad, keeps the children with her/him with no access to the other parent.

Adolsecents may have problems with their parents and run away to live with others who promise them shelter. Minors living in care homes may be doing it as a sign of protest. Irregular unaccompanied minors run away to reach acquaintances in other European countries.

Clinical psychologist Cassar agreed that there may be various reasons why children and young people go missing in Malta. She highlighted that some of these reasons may include abductions, abuse, drug use, suicide intent, defiance, poverty and youngsters lured into the sex industry.

Living in a changing world where the challenges and risks associated with child protection are constantly evolving, especially with advances in technology, leads to many children being exposed to outside influences. It is impossible to eliminate all risks to children, however, there are a few things that parents/guardians can consider and do to keep their children safe.

Miceli said that parents undergoing separation proceedings should ensure that the best interests of the children are safeguarded and avoid using children as their pawns to get at the other parent.

In addition, parents/guardians should treat children with respect and dignity, listen to them, support them and keep channels of communication open, as adopting an authoritarian style is not conducive to good and positive parenting, Miceli said.

She added that parents should seek help before the parent-child relationship deteriorates.

 

‘It takes a village to raise a child’

Similarly, Cassar (above) argued that “it takes a village to raise a child”, meaning, that society together with caregivers, have a very important role to play in keeping our vulnerable age groups safe. The values of love, care, respect, consistency, reliability, honesty and more, are all vital in order to instil a sense of trust in our children. This idea suppors the notion of attachment and holds that the child must establish a strong bond with a primary caretaker (parent/guardian) for healthy emotional development.

She added that once trust is established, young people will feel safe to make their voices heard. Once we learn to listen to our children, they will bring to us their most precious thoughts and feelings.

“I think this cycle of healthy interactions wherein children’s voices are validated is the strongest shield to undesirable outside influences. Being available and involved in a child’s physical and emotional reality also gives caregivers an advantage in knowing the external forces influencing the child or adolescent. Caregivers need all the support they can get and a caring society buffers us all,” she said.

Therefore, it is recommended that parents/guardians establish a trusting, consistent and emphatic relationship with the child. It is also important to stop, think and place oneself in your child’s shoes in order to understand the possible worry or frustrations that the child might be feeling.

Cassar added that “it is okay to ask a child or adolescent what they wish from us as adults because communication is the basis of knowledge and good focused knowledge is a sure protection to our children.”

With regards to the type of missing cases that are reported, one cannot generalise easily as each situation is unique and depends upon the circumstances. However, Cassar highlighted that the younger the child, the more likely it is that an older child and/or adult, is also involved with them going missing.

 

Flawed systems

In addition, repeated acts of going missing unfortuantely reflect serious flaws within the systems of a society, she said.

“The fact that Malta is a very small country can have its advantages in tracing missing children, especially if the response by the authorities is prompt and professional.”

Cassar expressed her hope that with the right legal and social systems in place, children in general are protected and kept safe.

After a child or adolescent goes missing in Malta but then is found, there are systems in place such as the Vice Squad with the Malta Police Force and Agenżija Appoġġ, which are immediately mobilised. These entities engage transdisciplinary professionals who come together to put in motion a comprehensive process of investigation as well as support to the vulnerable child and their families; work that involves tireless dedication.

The Child Protection Act (Chapter 569) and the Mental Health Act (Chapter 525), amongst others, are legal documents which serve as a guideline for professionals and society at large in implementing best practices to safeguard the well being of children. The hard work necessary in safeguarding the well being of each child is an ongoing process and a collective one.

“We are all inherently responsible and each one of us can make a difference,” Cassar added.