It’s estimated that more than a million teenagers—about three-fourths of them girls—run away from home each year. Most are teens, but some children as young as 10 years old leave what they feel are unbearable home situations.
The Police Response
Police, when notified by parents or guardians that a child has run away, will begin a search for the child. Highest priority is generally given to searches for young children and children with a disability.
Police aren’t interested in punishing runaways unless they’ve committed crimes while away from home. Their goal is get them back home safely.
People Who Shelter a Runaway
Adults who let a runaway teen stay with them without getting the permission of the teen’s parent or legal guardian can find themselves in legal trouble, even if they think they’re doing the right thing. Any adult, including a relative, who shelters a runaway might be criminally charged with kidnapping, interference with child custody, or harboring a runaway. Although grandparents or adult siblings might not be prosecuted for taking in a runaway, it’s possible.
After the Runaway Is Back Home
If a teenager runs away repeatedly or gets in trouble while away, school counselors, social services agency staff, and juvenile court may become involved. They may recommend counseling, for the child or the whole family. If the teen is accused of committed crimes or has a drug or alcohol program, and counseling doesn’t work a judge might decide that the child needs to be sent to a rehabilitation or juvenile detention facility.
If Your Child Runs Away
Here are some steps to take as quickly as possible:
- Call 911 as soon as you think your child has run away. Have identifying information ready: the date of birth, height, weight, identifying features, and how the teen was dressed. Make sure you file a formal report, and take the name, contact information, and badge number of the officer who accepts the report.
- Check with your child’s friends, coworkers, relatives or anyone else you can think of who might know where your child has gone. If school is in session, go to the school and talk to teachers and students who may have information about where your child has gone—and with whom.
- Call other law enforcement agencies from nearby towns, to make reports there. Again, find out who to talk to for follow-up information.
- Check your child’s computer or social media pages (Facebook, MySpace, blog) to see whether there’s any information to help you find your child. Use social media to get the word out to friends and family.
- Contact local hospitals, clinics, drug treatment centers, and counseling services in your area.
- Call the National Runaway Switchboard at 800-621-4000 and check for resources at the organization’s website.
