Herbert Protocol form for people with dementia at risk of going missing

People with dementia can sometimes start to wander. This might only be into the garden or street for a short time, but sometimes people get lost and go missing.

Carers, family or friends of a vulnerable person, or the person themselves, can fill in a Herbert Protocol form in advance, containing information to help the police if the person goes missing.

Keeping a completed form means you don’t have to try to remember the information when you are under stress if someone goes missing. And it saves time, so we can start the search sooner.

Herbert Protocol form (PDF 529 KB)

When to fill in a form

Use your professional opinion as a carer or your knowledge as a family member to decide whether a person is at risk of going missing. For example, you might decide it is time to fill in a form when someone cannot remember their address themselves.

Who fills in the form

A carer at a care home, family, friends or the person themselves can fill in the form.

Please get permission from the person at risk or their relatives before you complete a form. If that isn’t possible, a care home can fill in a form if they think it is in the person’s best interests.

Filling in the form with the person can trigger memories that they like to talk about, and can enrich your time with them. Be mindful though that some memories might be upsetting.

What to do when someone goes missing

If you discover someone is missing, look for them around the house or home, including any gardens and outbuildings.

If you don’t find them, call 999 immediately.

If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

Don't worry - you won't be criticised for calling the police if you are worried about someone’s safety.