Virtual chat: Chief Inspector Tim Bonnett

A: In some missing child cases, the police will provide a key support worker to liaise with the family. In any case, the police will maintain regular contact. The National Missing Persons Helpline also provides support to those left behind through their freephone advice line (0500 700700).

I have worked with NMPH for years and they do brilliant work with the families of the missing (both adults and children). If it is a family abduction, Reunite can provide support and legal advice to the parent (020 7375 3440).

Q: I am glad that there are people like you who can do such work and your entire team has my admiration, but even thinking about it makes my blood run cold. Who do YOU turn to for help and support?
WSG

A: Thank you for your kind thoughts. The problem is not such that we have to cope with it on exactly a daily basis. And there are support systems. I should say as well that the work is extremely satisfying. I hope through uk.missingkids.com (UK Missing and Exploited Children Web Site) to have a lot of good news stories to balance out the tragedies. The site has found half the children it has featured.

Q: I have a five-year-old and a three-year-old. I worry if they are out of my sight. Sometimes I think I am too restricting with my children. Where do you draw the line?
Murerrol

A: Being a parent is a difficult balancing act. I have three teenagers and know what you are going through. The important thing is to assess the risk. We took the route of gradually building up our children's street education. When they are a bit older, let them go in a shop alone to buy something while you wait outside. If you have a park that they can reach without crossing a road then that could be a goal to work towards them going alone (not for a few years obviously).

A few cases have had a huge impact on parental confidence. We all hugged our children a little tighter when we heard what happened to Sarah Payne and the Jamie Bulger case was horrific. These are the exceptions, though. Children are safe in general society most of the time if simple rules are followed.