Teen Runaways
Four years ago, we never imagined our daughter would run away either. Yet she did, three times over a period of six months. Her reason was that we didn’t like her boyfriend. Not that we said she couldn’t date him, only that we didn’t like him and thought she could do better. Eventually she discovered we were right. Today, four years later, we look back on that time period and can laugh.
What follows is a list of steps you can use to find your child. The first few paragraphs cover the basics of what you need before your child runs, even if you don’t think they will. You should have this anyway, just so you can be prepared for anything that might happen.
If you haven’t already done so, take your teenager to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (or where ever driver’s licenses are issued) and get a photo ID of your teen. Make photocopies of this ID immediately and put them away in a safe place.
Get digital pictures of your child. If you don’t have a digital camera or a scanner, most photo development places offer pictures on disk. Get Them. Update these pictures often, making sure to have them dressed in seasonal clothing.
Make your teenager fill out a phone list of their friends. Tell them you need phone numbers, cell phone numbers, email addy’s and even screen names for online chatting. If you’ve heard a name mentioned by your child, make sure that name is on the list.
In this age of Internet predators, know what your child is doing online. No teenager should have Internet access in the privacy of their bedroom. Have your Internet access available only on a computer in a busy part of the house.
IF THEY RUN
Using the phone list, call every one of your teenagers friends. Talk to their parents first, not the friend. Teenagers tend to stick together and will not always tell you the truth. The parents will tell you if they’ve heard their child talking to yours on the phone and it will also alert them to watch for what their child is doing.
Make up one-page flyers that have a clear picture of your child’s face and all information you have. Height, weight, age, last seen, etc.
Go straight to the local authorities, be it police station or sheriff’s office. Take with you the flyers you have made up, a copy of the id, color pictures and digital pictures on a floppy. Get in their faces. Do not just make phone calls, be there in person. Drive them nuts until they do something. Make them understand that you are a concerned parent and that you will not let them ignore the fact that YOUR child is missing.
Make sure they list your runaway in the national database.
Post your flyers everywhere kids meet. Phone booths, soda machines, local hangouts, grocery stores, anywhere and everywhere that will let you.
When you get home, call your local paper and ask if they will run a description and picture of your child. Tell them you will either bring them a flyer or email the information. Whichever option they prefer. Beg if you have to.
Call your local television stations. Many today are more than willing to run stories on missing teens since so many have been lured from home by ‘friends’ they met online.
Also check any local weeklies and online community papers; they are usually more than willing to help.
Call your local Juvenile Detention Officer and ask for their help in finding out your rights concerning what you may or may not do if you find your child yourself.
Make sure you follow up and stay in touch with parents and the police. They are your best bet in finding your child and bringing them home.
