Traffic light: Running away
Stay alert: My child occasionally talks about running away, what should I do? | Take steps: I am not sure if my child has run away or is just late, what should I do? | Emergency: My child has run away and this is out of their character or that you are worried that they may feel suicidal or vulnerable, what should I do immediately? |
This can be a normal reaction when problems build up. It is ok to feel like this and your child might just need your support | Phone their friends | Phone the police and have a recent photo handy |
Stay calm and ask your child if they would like to talk? | Phone your child and leave a voicemail and text and tell them that you are concerned and not angry and that if you do not hear from them, that you will need to call the police | Ask a friend or relative to be with you |
Ask them what they are feeling or what happened to make them feel like it? | If they do not call back, call the police | Think of places they may go or places they have mentioned |
Don’t get angry, anxious or defensive, stay calm and let them know you would like to understand and help and that you do not judge them | ||
Help them feel safe |
Based on MindEd