Facebook-f Linkedin-in Youtube

Behind the Search: The Crucial Role of the “Expert in the Research of Missing People and Children” defined by LOST2

dionusis
dionusis 28/10/2023

Finding a missing person is one of the most challenging and sensitive tasks faced by communities and authorities. It’s a race against time, demanding not only dedication but also a precise and varied set of skills. Recognizing this need, the European Union-funded LOST2 project has undertaken the crucial work of defining the competencies required for the role of the “Expert in the Research of Missing People and Children”. This professional, sometimes also referred to as a “start-up tutor”, plays a vital part in the complex effort to locate missing individuals and even assist in identifying unnamed bodies.

This expert operates within a delicate ecosystem of relationships, connecting with families, lawyers, the police force, civil protection, and the judiciary. Maintaining these relationships with care is evident and considered important for maximizing efforts in the search. Voluntary associations normally carry out a great contribution in this work, often providing significant support to families. While this isn’t yet a formally recognized profession everywhere, the LOST2 project’s analysis across five countries has allowed for the definition of a valuable framework of skills, knowledge, abilities, and virtuous behaviours that are useful for both volunteers and police officers involved in these cases. Academic backgrounds in Law and Psychology, as well as degrees in criminology, investigation sciences, and social assistance, are seen as particularly useful. The expert’s role is primarily focused on supporting families and investigators within legal limits and activating/coordinating specialist professionals.

A particularly essential function for this professional is linked to the investigative work, with a strong focus on the information phase, beginning as soon as they are involved by family members or others who suspect a disappearance. The first hours are often very important for the purpose of finding the person, so this function requires high professionalism. The expert navigates a complex system of relationships, working to make dialogue orderly and effective. A core set of activities involves identifying, collecting, and selecting information related to the disappearance, which often makes it possible to define the “reason” for the disappearance, a fundamental element for initiating and guiding investigations. The professional’s activities remain focused on coordinating specialists, ensuring continuity in following the case, and maintaining relationships within the support system until a result is achieved. Keeping attention on the cases alive until the result is reached is of fundamental importance.

The scope of activities undertaken by this expert is broad and deep. They provide assistance to families, which includes analysing the family context, habits, culture, and relationships. They define communication strategies and collect specific, detailed information on the missing person’s private life and family environment. Supporting the family in their interactions with the police, legal, and judiciary forces is crucial, as is identifying various further and additional elements beyond the “official” ones provided by the family. This helps define further scenarios for conducting research, analyse family dynamics, friendships, and work relationships, and even provide family protection support against scams and criminals. Throughout this, respecting family privacy and acting with the utmost discretion and confidentiality for the minimum necessary time are paramount.

Beyond practical assistance, the expert is able to provide initial psychological support to families. They can identify any critical issues in the psychological state of family members and advance initial hypotheses on mental and relational processes, such as managing the sense of abandonment. Crucially, they evaluate the opportunity or need to activate a professional psychological support path, always respecting privacy and activating support with discretion.

The expert carries out investigations within the framework of the missing person’s personal relationships. This involves scheduling interviews, immediately analysing every aspect of the personal and family life to grasp critical points, and verifying particular conditions like frailty, disability, age, or serious pathologies. They analyse the places and context of the disappearance, and find and analyse, without tampering, smartphones, computers, and other communication devices, as well as social activities, without deleting traces. Identifying the opportunity to use additional survey tools and verify other information sources are part of the process. They also begin other searches and share research support activities with family members, building an initial assessment of the type of disappearance (voluntary, involuntary, forced). All investigative steps require explicit authorization from the family, guaranteeing privacy, and acting with discretion and confidentiality. Keeping images or devices confidential and avoiding tampering or disclosure without authorization is mandatory.

A key competency is the ability to carry out a comprehensive analysis of all relevant and available data related to the disappearance. Based on information emerging from the initial phase and during the research process, the expert analyzes all constituent elements of the disappearance. They aggregate the internal and external flow of information from different contexts (environments, interests, relationships, personal identity) and summarize the information, updating hypotheses and research strategies. Ensuring the continuous updating of new information and traces is vital, based on the assumption that all information is **crucial** for correct management of research interventions. Acting within professional boundaries is required.

Managing relationships with law enforcement and judicial authorities is another core function. The expert properly manages these institutional relationships, aiming to enrich information and deepen specific aspects concerning the disappearance and the search phase. They provide authorities with data and information useful for research and help maintain attention on the investigation. This requires careful listening and providing summaries of collected information. They also collect and aggregate useful information from the reports and forms used by institutions, identifying relevant information, synthesizing details on the missing person’s history and lifestyle, identifying contacts, and identifying further fields of investigation. Collecting and examining all available documentation transparently with institutions is important.

The expert is able to assign a classification to the disappearance, with particular care in the case of missing minors. Using national and European classification standards and considering the perceived risk level, they organize and classify collected data and use the standards to assign or contribute to assigning a specific classification. This involves accurate analysis, especially for children, and correlating collected information with classification standards.

Planning and managing the activities connected with the research and finding the person is also within the expert’s capabilities. They analyse necessary interventions based on the case type and evaluate required resources. They analyse information in relation to places to direct search steps and identify additional professional resources for specialist support based on ongoing risk analysis. Assigning tasks, times, and methods to collaborators, following and checking task execution and result quality, communicating and working in groups, and interacting/coordinating with other institutions and people are all part of this. Explaining information to collaborators and sharing methodology is key, as is maintaining a flow of information with the police force.

Defining the strategy of research often involves the use of modern technological tools. The expert can structure or propose a research path on the territory, manage relationships with institutions and research groups, and identify and use the most suitable technological systems (drones, GPS, smartphones, laptops). Publishing alerts, photos, and information on the disappearance in media and social networks is included, as is using artificial intelligence platforms to compare photos (particularly of minors and children) with images found online. Ensuring efficiency in the research phase, managing alerts, and balancing the cost/benefit ratio are considerations.

Carrying out field surveys is another competency. The expert can analyse frequently visited areas using the right techniques, identify useful details for finding the person, propose or activate the intervention of professionals or specialist groups, and collect reports and information in a structured way for risk assessment. Acting in compliance with rules and research results, and preserving collected evidence is crucial.

The role extends to providing assistance to families based on the results of the search, whether it’s concluding the search period, finding a deceased person, or when the case is unresolved. They define methods for providing long-term care, recognize when more professional help is needed, assess specialist support needs, activate the system of services for people in difficulty, and gather useful information for a possible psychological autopsy. Acting in compliance with their role, association/institution procedures, and psychological analysis protocols is essential. The expert also collaborates in the identification of unnamed bodies by collecting information from official and unofficial sources, analyzing medical and forensic autopsy reports, querying national, European, and international databases, accessing information from media and news agencies, and maintaining relationships with potential victim relationship systems. Maintaining objectivity in examining information and adopting a systemic approach to analysis is required.

Finally, a critical on-site skill is providing first aid at the moment of finding a missing person. This includes an initial analysis of the physical and medical condition, administering immediate first aid to stabilize the person, communicating with emergency services, performing basic life support techniques like CPR and rescue breathing if needed, providing care for wounds, checking and clearing airways, monitoring pulse and blood circulation, placing the person in safety and stability, and stabilizing suspected fractures. Acting with utmost attention, offering comfort, support, and reassurance, and complying with the cultural, gender, and age differences of the found person are key aspects.

Underpinning these activities is a wealth of required knowledge. This includes understanding sources of information and methods for consulting databases, communication techniques (institutional, interpersonal, group), elements of context analysis, basic psychology, first interpersonal support techniques, investigative techniques, management of findings and electronic devices, privacy legislation, legal and regulatory frameworks (national/international), criteria for disappearance classification, scientific investigation typologies (forensic genetics, medicine, etc.), technological tools (drones, GPS, AI), and first aid principles (anatomy, physiology, CPR, wound care).

Beyond technical abilities, specific behavioural competencies are vital for this role. The expert demonstrates attention to legal aspects and safety. They adopt a total system and global approach in analysing information and throughout the research phases. Effective communication skills, including active listening and an assertive style towards all stakeholders (family, law enforcement, judiciary, collaborators), are essential. Maintaining confidentiality regarding personal relationships and the state of the investigation is crucial. They demonstrate creativity in hypothesizing scenarios but pay attention to objectivity in analysing facts and reality elements to support hypotheses. Leadership in tasks and responsibility in leading searches are important. The ability to differentiate between facts and assumptions about missing people is noted. Finally, cooperating with all subjects of the research team is a key behaviour.

By defining this comprehensive profile, the LOST2 project provides a vital framework for understanding, training, and ultimately improving the complex and urgent work of finding missing persons and supporting those affected.

Categories: news
2022-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000087044

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

© 2022 – LOST2 Project
handcrafted & powered with by p-consulting.gr

Massimo Pici

SIULP

Massimo Pici is the Provincial General Secretary of SIULP (Italian Unitary Police Workers Union) of Perugia. During his trade union career, Pici has distinguished himself for his commitment to various issues related to the safety and protection of the rights of police workers. He has promoted training initiatives, such as courses for the search for missing persons, and has actively participated in debates on issues of social relevance, such as the proposal to establish a register for imams in Italy. Pici participated in the European project LOST 2, contributing, for the SIULP partner, to the development of the units of competence necessary for this new professional figure, underlining the importance of a European approach to the phenomenon of missing persons and the need to support the families involved.

Chara Stassinopoulou

p-consulting.gr

Chara Stassinopoulou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management of Cultural Resources from the University of Patras, with further certification in Informatics and Computer Science. She serves as EU Projects Manager at p-consulting.gr, where she coordinates Erasmus+ projects across adult, VET, and school education, with a focus on inclusive, community-driven innovation and education.

Francisco Jiménez Navarro

SOS Desaparecidos (ES)

Francisco Jiménez Navarro is the General Coordinator of sosdesaparecidos and professional emergency medical technician. International aid worker and has participated in two armed conflicts in missions of identification of bodies of missing persons and humanitarian aid.

Barbara Coccetta

OMNIS

Barbara Coccetta, has a long experience in the the design and coordination of VET project (“Leonardo Da Vinci”, “Lifelong Learning Programme”, Erasmus Plus”) . A researcher in the VET context, she has been involved in European project management and coordination for 20 years. She is an European policy expert after a bachelor’s degree at the College of Europe in Bruges (BE) and a professional qualification professional qualification at the “Human Resources Development and EU Social Studies”. She is the reference person behalf of OMNIS Organisation for the technical coordination of the training activities providing her specific skills, her strong experience in this field and the deep knowledge acquired over the years in ECVET and EQAVET frameworks. OMNIS has provided other partner organisations with the support on the application of the over mentioned methodology based on a competence model, which takes also into account the European and national instructions in the field of the competencies framework for the definition and testing of the innovative professional in relation to the Missing People phenomenon.

Sara Sechi

Don Bosco International

Sara Sechi is the Executive Secretary of Don Bosco International – DBI. She holds a master’s degree in Law and an advanced-master in International Public Affairs. She has direct experience in non-formal education, training, intercultural learning, youth participation, inclusive leadership, and EU advocacy. She speaks Italian, English and French.

Nel Broothaerts

Child Focus Belgium

Nel Broothaerts graduated as Master in Pedagogical Sciences at the University of Ghent. In 2002, she was responsible for the development of an educational program for young children in Guatemala. After her return to Belgium, she worked within the education system for children with special needs, where she was responsible for the development of pedagogical tools for teachers. Between 2005 and 2007, Nel worked within the Youth Service as a home counsellor / parenting advisor for families in problematic parenting situations. In May 2007, she joined Child Focus and as project manager was responsible for the policy and development of prevention initiatives around e-safety. In September 2013, she became coordinator of the project team. In October 2017, she became Chief Prevention and Development Officer, responsible for all prevention initiatives, through tools, materials, education or training, and new developments in the Foundation. Since October 2022, she combines this position with the role of Deputy CEO of Child Focus.

Patrícia Cipriano

APCDV – Ass. Portuguese Association of Missing and Vulnerable Children

Patrícia de Sousa Cipriano is a lawyer and Honorary President of the Portuguese Association of Missing and Vulnerable Children (APCDV), with a career of more than 17 years dedicated to defending the rights of missing and vulnerable children. Graduated in Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra (pre bologna), with specialization in International Family Law, she currently works as Of Counsel at the prestigious law firm LEGALWORKS – Gomes da Silva & Associados. She is a member of the Lawyers in Europe against Parental Abduction network and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Amber Alert Europe Foundation, contributing with her experience to the strengthening of legal and police cooperation at European level. She was also co-founder of the Portuguese Children’s Association (APCDV), together with Margarida Barroso, the late wife of the former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso. As President of APCDV, she has led several initiatives to raise awareness, research and support families, with emphasis on her intervention in emblematic cases such as the disappearance of Rui Pedro. She also participated in the Netflix documentary on the Madeleine McCann case, reinforcing her commitment to the international visibility of the cause.

Amaya Rodrigo

SOS Desaparecidos

Amaya Rodrigo is the international coordinator of SOS Desaparecidos, a nonprofit organisation that lobbies for the rights of the missing people in Spain, and aims for a European protocol and law reform that grants missing people and their families their lawful rights. SOS also provides first aid and help to the families after their loved one has gone missing, with a team of volunteer professionals, such as lawyers, therapists, criminalists, detectives. The organisation conducts extensive use of conventional and Social Media to spread awareness and to alert about individual cases.

Sarah Abel

EUROMASC

Sarah Abel is a project manager at EUROMASC and NTIM, specializing in Erasmus+ projects and European cooperation initiatives. She holds a BA (2018) and MA (2020) in political science from the University of Oslo, with a research focus on political polarization in the United States. Sarah first joined EUROMASC in 2019, contributing to various European projects through research and desk studies. She later worked as a research assistant at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence before returning to EUROMASC in 2023 as a project manager. In this role, she is responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of Erasmus+ projects, fostering strategic international partnerships, managing project activities, and ensuring alignment with EU policies and priorities. Fluent in Norwegian, English, Danish, and Swedish, with working comprehension of Italian, Sarah actively collaborates with international consortia to promote innovation and knowledge exchange within the Erasmus+ framework. She is dedicated to strengthening European cooperation in education, training, and research through high-impact projects.

Georgia Angelopoulou

The Smile of The Child

Georgia Angelopoulou is a psychologist currently working at “The Smile of the Child,” where she coordinates the Help & Support Lines Center. Her work focuses on crisis intervention, psychosocial support, and safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, including direct involvement in missing persons cases. She has extensive experience collaborating with municipalities, state authorities, and ministries in Greece, and regularly participates as a speaker in professional seminars and conferences on child protection and mental health. She is actively involved in the European project “Lost II – Research and Implementation,” which addresses missing children and adults, and she brings a systemic perspective to both prevention and response efforts. Her academic background includes a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, further training in Rorschach testing, and ongoing specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy. Through her role, Georgia provides not only direct psychological support but also contributes to the development of effective inter-agency response mechanisms. She is passionate about promoting awareness and evidence-based practices in the field of disappearances and mental health crises.

Sandrine Pépit

Missing Children Europe

Sandrine Pépit has a background in family law and psychology. She has considerable expertise in the field of international child protection. After having worked for the Central Authority of Quebec, she joined the Permanent bureau of the Hague Conference on private international law. For more than six years, she has worked for a French public agency where she conducted analyses and research on child protection and alternative care. She is the Director of ISS France, Paré programme (a national programme to combat sexual exploitation of children) and of 116000 Enfants Disparus, where she runs the hotline for missing children in France. In June 2021 she took up he role of Vice President of Missing Children Europe.

Constantino Kounas

ARLAB Basilicata

Constantino Kounas is LOST2 project coordinator on behalf of the lead partner ARLAB Basilicata.

Expert in managing European funding, specialized in vocational education and training, adult education, networking and coordination of transnational partnerships. Graduated in Economics and Business, he has a professional qualification as a business consultant expert in subsidized financing for businesses. He coordinates European projects and has collaborated with public bodies and European institutions for over 20 years.

Susana Nogueira

EfVET European Forum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Susana Nogueira is a Policy/Project Officer at EfVET since 2022. She has a degree in Criminal Psychology and an experience of 10 years in the coordination and management of Erasmus+ funded projects focused on an array of sectors, including Social Economy, Defence, Culture and Creative Industries, Inclusion and Technology. Moreover, as Policy Officer, Susana has been deeply involved in the development of documentation and tools aimed to advocate for the innovation and quality of Vocational Education and Training.

Susana also worked as Victims’ Support Technician, assisting victims of crimes (domestic violence and other forms of abuse) by providing them with psychological, social and legal support, and as volunteer psychologist at a local civil protection unit in Lisbon (Portugal), trained to provide psychological first aid and support to victims of accidents and catastrophes.