MISSING PERSONS

Endangered Teen Runaways and Dealing With a Troubled Teen

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) defines an Endangered Runaway as a child under the age of 18 who is missing on his or her own accord and whose whereabouts are unknown to their parent or legal guardian.


These children are highly vulnerable and can experience homelessness when they are missing.

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RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS

These may put youth at an increased risk of running away or becoming homeless:

  • Threatening or talking about running away
  • Physical, verbal or sexual abuse
  • Disruption of the family structure, dysfunction and disorganization of the home
  • Lack of acceptance of gender identity or sexual orientation
  • Struggling to manage mental health
  • Substance abuse
  • Struggling in school
  • Online enticement
  • Wanting to be with a friend, romantic partner or biological family
  • Gang activity - Peer pressure
  • Social rejection or bullying
  • Self-harming such as cutting, substance use, and high risk sexual behaviors
  • Saving money for no apparent reason or keeping belongings packed
  • Unplanned pregnancy


IF YOUR CHILD RUNS AWAY:

  • Call the police Immediately
  • Ask police to enter your child into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. 
  • Call Child Find of America1-800-I-AM-LOST (426-5678)
  • Spread the word by reaching out to friends, family, work, coaches, teachers, etc.
  • Social Media is vital! Post & share the information with photos of the person, everywhere on all platforms.
  • Flood surrounding areas with flyers, signs, posters, and more of the missing person’s face and descriptive information.
  • Check their favorite hang outs: restaurants, parks, rec centers, clubs, and any other locations they might frequent.
  • Search their room for information. Did they pack a suitcase before leaving? Did they take items that would have sentimental meaning or did they pack up any clothes? Do they have any money?
  • Organize volunteer search parties and networks, coordinate with law enforcement.

KNOW THE FACTS

  • One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away.


  • 75% of runaways are female.


  • 77% of endangered runaways reported to NCMEC were between 15-17 years old.


  • 87% of these missing children had at least one reported risk factor.


  • 62% had two or more risk factors.


  • Runaways are 93% more likely to be abducted or trafficked. 

KNOW THE FACTS

  • One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away.


  • 75% of runaways are female.


  • 77% of endangered runaways reported to NCMEC were between 15-17 years old.


  • 87% of these missing children had at least one reported risk factor.


  • 62% had two or more risk factors.


  • Runaways are 93% more likely to be abducted or trafficked. 

KNOW THE FACTS

  • One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away.


  • 75% of runaways are female.


  • 77% of endangered runaways reported to NCMEC were between 15-17 years old.


  • 87% of these missing children had at least one reported risk factor.


  • 62% had two or more risk factors.


  • Runaways are 93% more likely to be abducted or trafficked. 

WHY CHILDREN RUN AWAY FROM HOME

  • 42% have family problems
  • 14% because of peer pressure
  • 5% because of drug or alcohol abuse
  • 4% because of physical or sexual abuse
  • 35% feel alone and unwanted

PREVENTION

  • Maintain open and honest communication
  • Let them know how much they matter
  • Let them know you are always there for them
  • Teach them how to face their problems with problem solving skills
  • Identify any source of insecurities
  • Offer solutions
  • Be supportive, not threatening
  • Be proactive and get therapy if necessary
  • Build a trusting relationship

Never, take a cell phone away as punishment! A youth in trouble may use it to call for help or, it may be used as a tracking device.

WHY CHILDREN RUN AWAY FROM HOME

  • 42% have family problems
  • 14% because of peer pressure
  • 5% because of drug or alcohol abuse
  • 4% because of physical or sexual abuse
  • 35% feel alone and unwanted

PREVENTION

  • Maintain open and honest communication
  • Let them know how much they matter
  • Let them know you are always there for them
  • Teach them how to face their problems with problem solving skills
  • Identify any source of insecurities
  • Offer solutions
  • Be supportive, not threatening
  • Be proactive and get therapy if necessary
  • Build a trusting relationship

Never, take a cell phone away as punishment! A youth in trouble may use it to call for help or, it may be used as a tracking device.

WHY CHILDREN RUN AWAY FROM HOME

  • 42% have family problems
  • 14% because of peer pressure
  • 5% because of drug or alcohol abuse
  • 4% because of physical or sexual abuse
  • 35% feel alone and unwanted

PREVENTION

  • Maintain open and honest communication
  • Let them know how much they matter
  • Let them know you are always there for them
  • Teach them how to face their problems with problem solving skills
  • Identify any source of insecurities
  • Offer solutions
  • Be supportive, not threatening
  • Be proactive and get therapy if necessary
  • Build a trusting relationship

Never, take a cell phone away as punishment! A youth in trouble may use it to call for help or, it may be used as a tracking device.

National Center for Missing &

Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The National Runaway Safe Line 

Help for Concerned Adults and for Runaways Themselves

24 / 7 - 365 days a year