What can a parent do about a runaway child?
Asked by: Prof. Uriel Hand | Last update: August 5, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (48 votes)
If your child runs away connect with your local law enforcement and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (“
How to deal with a child who runs off?
Be ready to move toward your toddler if they run away, rather than use your voice. Scoop them up, or playfully set a limit. If playful limits aren't effective, set a limit by gently holding their hands or preventing them from running, and listen.
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.
What can you do if your child runs away from home?
Contact Authorities: If the child is a minor and you believe they are lost or running away, contact local law enforcement or child protective services. They can handle the situation appropriately. Avoid Confrontation: If the child seems resistant to talking or is anxious, don't force the conversation.
What do police do with runaway kids?
CA Runaway Laws
Minors who run away from home can be detained by police and returned to a legal guardian. In California, there is no legal consequence for a minor running away. There is, however, very little a minor can do if caught by the police to not be returned home.
Teen runaways: What can parents do to bring their child home safely and cope with the situation
What is the punishment for a child running away?
In some states, it is a crime to run away from home if you are not an emancipated minor. In other states, running away from home may not be considered a crime, however a child can be taken into custody and made a ward of the Juvenile court system and either be returned to their parents or placed in a suitable home.
What can I do if my 16 year old refuses to come home?
- Use a graduated system to rectify the situation.
- Open up a reasonable line of communication with the noncustodial parent.
- Ascertain why the teen does not want to come home.
- Consider the age of the teen and the possibility for a change.
- Involve law enforcement.
- Seek a court order.
- Seek legal assistance.
How do I report my child as a runaway?
Call local law enforcement to file a missing persons or runaway report. Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and any local runaway clearinghouses to report your youth as a runaway.
What to do if a family member runs away from home?
Talk to a Childline counsellor or the Runaway Helpline for confidential support and advice. This could be a relative, police station or a friend you feel safe with.
What to do if your child doesn't come home?
Call: Call the police. You don't have to wait 24 hours.
Can your parents call the police if you run away?
Parents or legal guardians can report a runaway to the police at any time.
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.
When should you call the police on your own 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.
What happens to kids who run away?
Runaway kids get involved in dangerous crimes much more often than kids who live at home. Kids who live on the streets often have to steal to meet basic needs. Many take drugs or alcohol to get through the day because they become so depressed and feel that no one cares about them.
Are child leashes a good idea?
Data on the safety of kid leashes is scarce, and the chair of the injury prevention council at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using these types of items.
How do you respond when your child runs away?
Have an open door attitude to coming home. If you can't find your child and don't know if they are safe, don't waste time. Phone the Police on 131 444 to report them missing. Running away can be a sign that something serious is going wrong and you may need to seek professional help.
Is it illegal to help someone run away from home?
Although helping a homeless youth won't result in a felony kidnapping charge, that doesn't mean that the act is legal. If you take in a runaway kid who doesn't have permission from their parent to be absent from the home, you could be charged with harboring a runaway child.
What can I do if my child keeps running away?
If your child runs away connect with your local law enforcement and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (“NCMEC”). Resources and support services for victims and their families are also available from NCMEC and National Runaway Safeline.
What to do when your child leaves home without permission?
Call the police. - This sends the message to teenagers that it is not okay to leave home without permission. - The police are responsible for the safety of citizenry; your child is not safe if you do not know where he is. - Parents are responsible for what happens to their child even when he is not at home.
Is a runaway child considered missing?
The key difference between missing and runaway youth is their intent to leave. Missing youth often leave involuntarily, while runaway youth choose to leave. However, it's essential not to jump to conclusions. A child initially labeled as a runaway may later be considered missing if foul play is suspected.
What is the runaway hotline for parents?
Our Services
The team at the National Runaway Safeline is here for you, offering a range of support services 24/7. Hotline – Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) to speak with a trained NRS staff member or volunteer who will listen and support you.
What to do when a family member runs away?
Contact The Police Immediately
If the person remains missing more than three days, ask the police to place them on the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) list as an “endangered adult.” This computer network provides information nationwide.
Is it illegal to leave home at 16?
It depends on where you live. In many areas, the age of majority is 16, which means you can move out on your own at that point. However, if the age of majority is over 16 where you live, you will likely need to be legally emancipated or get your parents' permission before you move out.
What happens if my 16 year old refuses to go to school?
The first step is talking to the teen to understand why they resist going to school. Next, discuss possible solutions with school administrators and guidance counselors. An assessment with a mental health professional can identify underlying issues like anxiety or depression.
What is a chin petition?
If you have a child who is beyond parental control, the state may file CHINS petition. CHINS stands for Children In Need of Supervision.