What to Do If Your Teen Runs Away
1. Remain calm. This is probably the most difficult thing to do when your teen runs away, but it's important. Keeping your emotions in check will make it easier to stay efficient and organized. You'll also need help from other people and they'll be more willing and open if you remain calm.
2. Call the police. You don't have to wait 24 hours to report a missing minor. Be aware that because this is considered a common domestic issue, finding runaways is not always a priority for the police department unless your child is under 13 or there is reason to believe that he or she is in immediate danger. You'll need to do most of the footwork yourself. However, the police will keep watch and return your child to you if he or she is found. It's also important to file a report in case you are unable to find your child or a situation arises where help is needed.
3. Call your child's friends. Your teen may still be in contact with them. It's especially important to remain calm when you speak to them. Otherwise, they may not be willing to help. Speak to the parents, as well. They may be able to give you other phone numbers to call. Ask them to contact you if they hear anything.
4. Go through your child's bedroom. Look through notebooks and drawers. Your child may have left a note behind. There may also be addresses and phone numbers. Visit the addresses and call the phone numbers if you haven't already.
5. Contact your child's school. Talk to the principal, the counselor, and the teacher. They may have heard something. They may also be able to direct you to services that will help. Ask to look through your child's locker and desk.
6. If your teen has a cell phone, contact the service provider. Some phones have a tracking system on them that will allow you to locate your child. You should also request a statement of all calls made in the last two months. If any of the phone numbers are unfamiliar to you, you can do a reverse phone number search online. Call everyone you haven't already called. Make sure you leave contact information.
7. Check the computer. Look at the internet history to find out what sites your child has been visiting. If you know the passwords, check all online accounts, such as email, MySpace, and Friendster.
8. Make flyers. These should include a photograph of your teen and any identifying information. Also include your contact information. If you are unable to make flyers at home, any print shop will be able to help.
9. Search on foot. Take a notebook and pen in case anyone can give you information. Leave flyers everywhere you go. Begin at friends' houses and other places your child visits, then search door-to-door throughout these neighborhoods. You may need to search in places you hope your child doesn't hang out.
10. If you are unable to locate your teen, contact the police again and ask for their help. Make sure you inform them of the steps you've already taken.
Remember that running away can be as frightening for your child as it is for you. If you find your teen, he or she may be reluctant to come home and may even fight. Remain calm and request assistance if you need it.
Published by Roselyn James
Roselyn James has been actively pursuing a writing career for five years. Her fiction, essays, and articles have appeared in various journals and online publications. She can be reached at roselynrjames@gmai... View profile
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- Remain calm and request assistance if you need it.