Troubled Teens: When they Runaway - A Parent's Nightmare

Each year, one million troubled teens from every social class, race and religion run away from home. Unfortunately, for American families, that number continues to rise.


Being a parent isn't easy. And it can be especially difficult raising teenagers these days. But do you know where to turn if you are having problems with your child?  What do you do when your teen is missing and you aren't getting help from your local authorities?


Understanding and preventing your teen from running away can be difficult.  When a teen turns up "missing," parents must initially decide whether the child is missing, has run away, or simply sneaked out.

There are differences, and those differences are very important. A missing child could have been abducted by someone against his/her will and is being held, possibly threatened. A missing child can also be a child who is simply missing; the child did not return home when expected and may be lost or injured.

The National Runaway Switchboard is one resource parents can turn to.  1-800-RUNAWAY.  All calls to National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) are confidential and free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY now to speak with someone, or check out our other resources and services.

If your teen is a chronic runaway and you are at your wit's end, it may be time to consider residential therapy.  After you have exhausted your local resources and therapy isn't working, and in many situations the teen refuses to attend therapy, you may be at a point that residential treatment is your last resort.

Visit www.helpyourteens.com for more information.   It is a major emotional and financial decision.

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