What Parents Need to Know
If your teen runs away the most difficult question parents may ask is, “Should I go after my child or should I just let
them come home when they are ready?” The severity of the teen’s behavior should be taken into consideration before
making such decisions. Jean Hamman, author of “Teen Runaways” cautions if the troubled teen does not have a history
of violence or abusive behavior then the family should make every effort to find the teen and bring them home or
attempts should be made to open up communication so they know they can call in an emergency.
Realizing your child has run away from home is filled with emotions, such as anger, fear and shame that others might
think you are not a “good” parent. While some children run across state lines, statistics indicate most children stay close
to home. In the event that your teen runs away from home, the Child and Youth Health (CYH) and National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) suggests the following strategies for coping and locating your teen.
Wherever your child has gone, there are certain steps that are necessary not only to ensure a safe return, but to protect
both your rights and theirs.
• Try to stay calm. Remember, most runaways return of their own accord.
• Find out what you can about your teen leaving. Was it planned or impulsive? Did he or she go off with
friends?
• Did your teen leave a note? What did he or she take with them?
• Work out whether you think your teen is likely to be safe. Think about where he or she could run to and
what you know about why they left.
• Be prepared to make some changes. If no changes are made to make the situation better, your teen will
likely run again. You may need a third person to “bridge” any conversation in the beginning.
• The fact that you are looking for your teen is reassurance that you care. It doesn’t matter that you have to
give in on everything but that you want to discuss ways to make life better for you all.
• Have an open door attitude to your teen’s return