RCMP Releases & News

How to Connect with Runaway Youth: Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Every parent is afraid of their child running away. Despite our best efforts to keep them safe, many youths feel that running away is the only solution to their problems. That is why it is so important to understand them and their reasons for running away. Connecting with children and teens is not just about guiding them home; it’s about addressing the core issues that led them to leave in the first place.

Understanding the Challenges Runaway Youth Face

Understanding the challenges runaway youth face allows adults to provide appropriate support and intervention. The choice to run away is often a response to difficult experiences like troubled relationships or unsafe environments. Runaway children usually are driven away by issues such as sexual exploitation, mental illness, and abusive behaviour, which can severely impact their safety and well-being.

Identifying Reasons Why Youths May Run Away

Youths often run away to respond to difficult situations; they think that leaving home is their only option. Understanding the different reasons that may drive children and teens to run away is important to intervene and create support systems. This awareness enables caregivers, social workers, and communities to develop environments where children feel safe and valued, ultimately giving them a better solution than running away.

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics play a large role in a child's decision to run away. Negative interactions within the family, such as abusive behaviour, neglect, or intense conflict, can drive youth away. Other issues like divorce, domestic violence, and substance abuse within the home can contribute to feelings of instability and helplessness.

Peer Pressure, Bullying and Relationships

A child’s social circle is a big influence on their well-being. Peer pressure and bullying, both offline and online, can make them feel isolated and rejected. These negative interactions can be a reason for youth to run away and escape these relationships. Online interactions, especially through social media, can make children feel inadequate and that they can’t escape bullying.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues can also drive youths’ decision to run away. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, especially when untreated, can cloud their judgment and create a desire to escape. Offering accessible mental health care and fostering open dialogue about mental challenges can prevent them from making a serious decision that may end up harming them further.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse not only influences a child or teen’s behaviour but can also break down the relationships and connections they have with their family and friends. Youths may run away to avoid consequences, feed their addiction, or escape enabling or condemning environments.

• Fear of repercussions from substance use can drive children to run.
• A home environment where substance abuse is prevalent may push youth to seek refuge elsewhere.
• Usage can often start from peer pressure, leading to dependence and eventual escape to satisfy the habit.

By recognizing the different factors that may be driving your child to run away, you can address the root causes to ensure they receive the support and care they need to prevent them from running away.

Signs Your Child May Be Considering Running Away

You’ve identified the reasons your child has for running away— but what if it’s still too late? Your child may already be making plans to leave home. If your child is presenting any of these signs, it may be important to intervene.

• Talking about or threatening to run away
• Keeping belongings in a bag/packing up belongings
• Saving money for no apparent reason

• Change in mood or behaviour
• Excessive time spent online
• Problems in school (struggling with grades, skipping classes, discipline issues, etc.)

• Drastic changes in appearance
• Unexpected change in groups of friends
• Self-harming behaviour

Immediate Steps to Take When a Child Runs Away

When a child runs away, there is a sense of fear, anxiety and uncertainty that may leave you frozen in place, but it is important to act quickly. Understanding the correct steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome. The first step is to remain calm and clear-headed in order to respond effectively. Here are the steps and recommendations to hopefully bring your child home.

Step 1: File a Missing Person Report

Once you suspect your child has run away, your first step should be to file a missing person report with your local police department. There is no waiting period for reporting a missing child. When filing the report, provide detailed information, including the child's physical description, recent photographs, and any distinguishing characteristics. Also, share the contact details of the child’s friends and any places they frequently visit. Working with law enforcement early on increases the chances of your child's safe return.

Step 2: Engage Friends & Family

Family and friends can help in the search. Your network can also provide emotional support and may have insights into your child’s whereabouts. Talking with your child’s friends can provide clues about where they might have gone. By mobilizing those who care about your child, you can improve your search efforts and create a supportive environment.

Step 3: Utilize Social Media for Outreach

Social media can be a powerful tool in locating a runaway child. Monitor their social media profiles for any signs or communications that might point to why and where they ran away. You should also look for any recent activity to see if they are okay. 

Social media is also a good way to connect with communities that can be on the lookout for your child, such as community or amber alert groups. However, you should avoid sharing personal information that could expose the child. Be careful to filter responses between genuine leads and potential scams.

Step 4: Check the Usual Spots

For many runaway youths, familiar places often provide a sense of safety and comfort. Check locations your child frequents, such as parks, friends’ houses, schools, or community centers. They might also go to places that are linked to their interests, such as libraries if they enjoy reading or sports centers they might visit. Continue to revisit and expand this search area and update police officers with any findings or sightings.

By following these structured steps and utilizing resources efficiently, the process of locating a runaway child becomes more focused and effective.

 

The Importance of Connection and Community

Children and teens have a lot to deal with and process. From personal relationships and peer pressure to drug use and mental health issues, there are too many reasons that might contribute to their decision to run away. As a parent or guardian, understanding these issues is your best chance to help prevent them from leaving. 

However, if your child does run away, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps to bring them home sooner.