What To Do If Your Child Runs Away From Home

Notify the police and file a missing persons report.  Keep records of all details of the investigation and stay in touch with authorities while your child is missing. Call the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUAWAY. NRS operates a 24-hour confidential hotline for teens and their families. Services include crisis intervention, information, referrals, and the Home Free program in partnership with Greyhound Lines, Inc. Specially trained volunteers at the hotline will help you process the situation and give you support.

Leave a message with the NRS for your child.  Spread the word among your friends and your child’s friends that you have done this and to encourage him/her to call. Your child can also leave messages for you.

Tell others that your teen is missing.  Let them know that you are concerned and ask for their help and support. Posters can help if your teen is still in the area or contact the news desk of your local television station or newspaper.

Check any records that may give clues about your child’s whereabouts. Look at phone bills, e-mail activity, pager records, credit card activity, bus or airline dockets, bank statements, and employment records.

Visit your child’s school. Talk to the administration, security, teachers, or counselor for any information that might be useful.

Install Caller ID or other tracing methods, if available in your area.

Contact hotlines for parents of missing children.  If you think your child was abducted or you need assistance in distributing posters nationwide. NRS can provide you with national and local referrals.

Take care of yourself and your other children. This is a difficult time and you don’t have to deal with it alone. Turn to people you know and trust for support. NRS is available 24 hours every day for you.