Runaway Prevention

Things to Do If Your Teen Runs Away

Why Teens Run Away  -  When Your Teen Returns Home

Connect & Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Child

If you are concerned that your child may consider running away, the Polly Klaas Foundation recommends taking the following protective steps:

• Provide a place of safety for your children - both emotionally and physically.

• Talk with your children openly and honestly.

• Listen to your children when they talk about concerns, feelings and difficulties they may be facing.

• Respect your children's emotional responses in every situation.

• Encourage your children to succeed and to work through their differences and struggles.

• Support your children's need to mature and gain independence with their years and to develop. relationships with other mature adults.

• Create opportunities for your children to learn about making positive decisions for their lives.

• Teach your children to be accountable for their actions.

• Protect your children from feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Defend your children openly against harassment or verbal abuse of any kind.

• Make your home a place of trust and support that fulfills your child’s needs.

Each of these steps will help your children have a sense of value and security.  When children feel safe, accepted and loved, they are more likely to recognize that they can resolve problems or difficulties without running away.

From Keeping Our Children Safe, Polly Klaas Foundation