Has your family been affected by someone going missing?

Do you have children and adolescents in the family who have been affected?

If so, we would like to talk to you about your experiences for a new research project. 

What is the project about?

The project aims to explore the experiences of families with children and adolescents after a family member goes missing. At the moment, very little is known about what young people go through when someone close to them (mother, father, brother, sister) goes missing. As such, little is known about the type of practical and emotional support that they may require having gone through such an experience. This project aims to speak to several young people in affected families, plus the adults who have supported them, to understand their experiences and give them a voice.  It is hoped that the research will help professionals to understand the effects of such loss, so appropriate help can be given in the future, as currently there is little practical or emotional support available. 

Who is running the project?

Jennie Norris is a final year Clinical Psychologist in Training at University of Hertfordshire.  She also works at CHUMS Child Bereavement & Trauma Service in Luton where she provides psychological support to children who have been traumatically bereaved.

Who can take part?

Children and young people aged 7yrs+, and adults who have supported young family members when someone has gone missing, are invited to take part. All participants will be given a £20 High Street voucher to thank them for their time.

What will participation involve?

All participants will be interviewed informally about their experiences since their family member went missing. The interview will focus on how they have been affected emotionally, socially and practically, as well as on the things that have helped them to cope.  Parental consent will be required for the young people taking part. Participants can withdraw from the study at any time with no obligation. All information collected will remain strictly confidential and names will be removed so participants cannot be recognised.

Who else is involved?

The project is being run in conjunction with Missing People and the Police Missing Persons Bureau. It is being carried out as part of a doctoral qualification in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, where it is being supervised by Dr Saskia Keville, Clinical Psychologist. The study has been approved by the university Research Ethics Committee (Protocol no: PSY/10/11/JN), whose role is to ensure that research is conducted in a safe and ethical manner.

What will happen to the results of this research study?

The findings will be published in a doctoral thesis and an academic journal. It is hoped they will be used to guide the development of interventions for young people affected in this way.

How to get involved

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Jennie Norris at 07765 004112 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She is happy to answer any questions you might have with no obligation to take part.