Vulnerable children who go missing are to be prioritised as part of a new scheme piloted in Dundee.
Youngsters who have been through the care system or have had unstable family backgrounds are more likely to be at risk of child sexual exploitation when they go missing, which has led to a new focus by police and Dundee City Council.
When the new protocol is piloted at the end of the month, police will be able to prioritise those most at risk, particularly looked after and accommodated children.
There are recognised links between going missing and child sexual exploitation, trafficking, mental health, and other issues such as domestic abuse and family breakdown.
Chief Inspector for Partnerships in Dundee, David McIntosh, said: “The new protocols to be piloted in Dundee are aimed at increasing protection for vulnerable children against sexual exploitation and other risks they are more susceptible to than other children.
“We have strong existing partnerships with the council, social work and housing but we are trying to improve what we do.”
Mr McIntosh said the move was about allowing police to make risk assessments and focus resources on those who most need their help.
He added: “People are sometimes reported as missing when they are home late or at friends.
“Currently this can divert police resources but the pilot allows us to take a more considered approach.
“There are children who go missing, and because of their circumstances they may be hanging around with adult males so they can be given more priority.”
Preventing child exploitation remains a focus of Police Scotland and the Scottish Government is consulting on its first National Missing Person Strategy.
The aim is to strengthen partnership working around vulnerable groups.
Dundee City Council is also to consider its own child protection action plan at a meeting next week.