What to do if your 16 year old runs away?

Asked by: Lambert Pollich  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)

If you suspect your child has run away or is missing due to foul play, call your local police department immediately. Police department procedures may vary, but you can request that they enter your child's information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) missing persons file.

What to do if your 16 year old keeps running away?

Parental guidance for this behavior includes the following:
  1. Call the police. - This sends the message to teenagers that it is not okay to leave home without permission. ...
  2. Once your child is safely home, give negative consequences for the behavior. ...
  3. Communicate the dangers of running away to your children.

What can I do if my 16 year old 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.

Is it legal for a 16 year old to run away?

In most states, running away isn't illegal, but what is called a status offense. You can't get arrested for it but it will mostly likely go on your record until you are 18. The police will only know if you have runaway if your parents/guardians file a police report.

How do you discipline a child who runs away?

What can parents do when children run away
  • Give yourself a time out Peacefully describe your child's emotions to help him feel understood
  • Chase them and alert the whole neighbourhood to what is going on. Additionally, your child will not stop.
  • Ensure your child feels safe - emotionally as well as physically

What to do if your child runs away

42 related questions found

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

Is it possible to call the police on your own child if they run away and refuse to come home? What actions can the police take in this situation? Your child is a run away, call it in as such. If you know where they are let the police know as well, it's against the law to harbor a run away.

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.

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 will the police do if I run away?

Regardless of whether a particular state recognizes running away as a status offense, police can always take runaways into custody. The options available to police include: returning them home. convincing their parents or guardians to temporarily let them stay with friends or family.

Who do you call when your 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 …

Can a 16 year old stay away from home?

Aged 16-17

If you decide to move out or run away, your parents or carers can call the police. But they're unlikely to take you back unless you're unsafe. When you're under 18, you usually can't rent a property by yourself. But you can get support if you're not living at home anymore.

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 are the consequences of a child running away from home?

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.

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.

How do I deal with my 16 year old out of control?

Here are some tips for helping a teen who is demonstrating behavioral problems:
  1. Confront violent behavior and set boundaries. ...
  2. Find common ground. ...
  3. Know the signs of teen depression so that if your teen is exhibiting them you can get professional help quickly. ...
  4. Listen without giving advice or making a judgment.

What to do if your child doesn't come home?

Call: Call the police. You don't have to wait 24 hours.

In what states is it illegal to run away?

There is no law that states a person under age eighteen running away from home is committing a crime. 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.

Should you call the police if your child runs away?

1. Call the Police Immediately. As soon as you learn that your child has run away, report them as missing to your local police. Ask your police agency to conduct a search within a mile radius of where your child was last seen or believed to have gone.

Where do Runaways usually go?

Where They Go: Destination. Very few runaways identify "the street" as their initial destination when they run away from home or care. The most common intended destinations are the homes of friends or relatives. Often, parents or caretakers know where juveniles are staying.

Can a 16 year old decide where to live?

In California, children cannot choose where to live until they are 18 years old, but their preferences may be taken into account in custody decisions. If a child is 14 years or older, the court must listen to their opinion regarding where they would like to live unless it is deemed not in their best interest.

Can my parents check my phone at 16?

While parents certainly differ in their opinions about this question, legally speaking, it is not child abuse for a parent to look through a child's phone.

Can you move out at 16 in NC?

A minor cannot move out of your home without parental consent until age 18. If the parents consent to the minor living with another adult, that can be done at any age.

Why do parents put kids on leashes?

The resurgence of child leashes can be attributed to various factors. Concerns about child safety, especially in crowded areas or near roads, have prompted some parents to turn to harnesses as an extra precaution.

Is a collar or leash better?

Harness leashes reduce the risk of injury to the dog's neck, especially for dogs with respiratory or tracheal issues. A collar can put pressure on the dog's neck and throat, making them uncomfortable at times. Harness leashes distribute the pressure evenly across the chest, which is much safer for your dog.

Are baby reins ok?

Should I be using baby reins? Using reins is a personal choice for each parent to decide upon; however we highly recommend the use of baby reins as a safety precaution.