Can I call the police if my child refuses to come home?

Asked by: Myles Wolf  |  Last update: September 5, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)

If your child has run away, you need to call the police, plain and simple.

What to do if a child refuses to come home?

Remaining calm and empathetic is crucial when dealing with a teenager who refuses to come home. It is important to reach out to them through their preferred communication channels, such as texting or calling, and listen attentively to their concerns. Finding a compromise is essential.

When should I call the police for my child?

If you ever feel unsafe or physically at risk, or if you ever feel like your loved one is in imminent danger of harming themselves, you should call the police.

Can the police help me get my child back?

Law enforcement does have the legal right to enforce a child custody order; however, custody disputes are usually considered a civil matter and the police might refuse to get involved. Child custody issues can become very complicated, and there is no one correct answer to all situations.

Can I call the cops if my kid doesn't want to go to school?

Yes, you can call the police but that seems counterproductive and an inefficient use of a vital resource. You might consider instead shifting the focus to why your child isn't attending. Either there's something to avoid at school or a reward to gain from staying home or both.

Can I Call The Police If I Can't Get My Child? #childvisitation

32 related questions found

Can the police force my child to go to school?

The police do have powers to remove a child of compulsory school age from a public place and take them back to a school or to another place designated by the local authority (unless that child is home educated).

Who can I call if my child refuses to go to school?

It's never too early to talk with someone. A mental health professional can provide tailored interventions to address the underlying causes of school refusal. Remember, school refusal is treatable. With early intervention and a collaborative approach, children can overcome their fears and return to school.

Who decides if a kid gets held back?

Your child's classroom teacher will often be responsible for deciding if your child should be held back. And even if the school district has another procedure in place, the classroom teacher's input will strongly influence the decision-making process.

Can one parent withhold a child?

Remember, California prioritizes granting children access to both parents when possible. If a parent, mother, or father attempts to withhold visitation, this can be punishable by the state.

Can police remove a child from home?

While CPS requires a court order to remove children from the home, law enforcement officers can place children into protective custody for a limited period of time.

When should you not call the police?

Involving the police in some situations can be dangerous to certain groups of people. Calling the police on someone who appears suspicious or is dealing with a mental health crisis can have a higher risk of violence. It may also put certain undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation.

Who do I call if my child is out of control?

You should call 911 when your child's behavior is beyond your ability to control it and the child is … 1.

When should I call 911 for my child?

Teach kids that a 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. For example, they should call 911 if: there's a fire. someone is unconscious after an accident, drinking too much, or an overdose of pills or drugs.

Can I call the police if my child doesn't come home?

If your child has run away, you need to call the police, plain and simple.

Why is my ADHD child so defiant?

Kids with ADHD act out because their hyperactive and impulsive symptoms can make it hard for them to follow rules and meet expectations for their behavior. This can lead to negative interactions with caregivers and teachers, which can cause kids more stress and make it even harder for them to control their behavior.

What are the rights of a 14-year-old?

Your parents are your guardians until you reach the age of majority at 18 and therefore make all of the major decisions for you. Before 18, there are decisions that you are allowed to make on your own on a case-by-case basis. You are allowed to make certain medical decisions on your own by the age of 14, for example.

What can I do if my ex won't return my child?

Contact your attorney if your ex is not responsive to your suggestions or continually disregards your parenting agreement. They can help you understand your rights and options. You may seek mediation to work out the issue or ask the court to intervene and enforce or alter the custody agreement.

Can a mother refuse access to the father?

The answer to this question is almost always “no,” especially if there is a court order granting custody and parent-time to your child's father. What follows are potential exceptions to this general rule, but you should not withhold your child without discussing it with an experienced family law attorney beforehand.

What is it called when a parent keeps a child from the other parent?

Parental alienation is a strategy whereby one parent intentionally displays to the child unjustified negativity aimed at the other parent. The purpose of this strategy is to damage the child's relationship with the other parent and to turn the child's emotions against that other parent.

Can I refuse to give my child back?

In most cases, a parent who refuses to return their child may violate a court-ordered visitation agreement or custody order. To enforce the terms of the agreement, the other parent can seek legal assistance to pressure the other parent, potentially filing a motion for contempt or violation of the court order.

What makes a kid get held back?

But sometimes a child's academic struggles are just one factor that the school is considering. Additional reasons that the school may cite can include: A child is very young for their grade or socially immature. A child has missed a lot of school due to serious illness.

What is the no child held back law?

Public Law 107 -110, which is more commonly known as "No Child Left Behind" or "NCLB", is a law that President Bush put into effect in 2001 that states that all states have to make standards and then test their children to make sure that they are learning those standards.

Can I call the police if my child doesn't want to go to school?

Call the police/truant officer and have them pick her up for truancy. If you contact a police/school resource officer ahead of time, they will often talk with children about the possible outcomes of continued truancy. Some jurisdictions will put habitual truants in detention.

Can police force a child to go to school?

If the parents refuse to work with the school to improve the child's attendance, they may face criminal penalties. However, for the most part, nobody has the right to arrest a child for refusing to go to class.

Can I report a child not in school?

Individuals may report their concerned to the child's local school district, which is responsible for ensuring that children are enrolled in school and has the final authority over exemptions from compulsory school attendance.