What can the cops do about a teen who has ran away from home ?

Question

My daughter is thinking about running away from home, if i call the cops what will they do and how will they find her?

Answer 1

let her run away, she'll  come back.  what could happen?

Answer 2

Most teens who seriously wish to take such drastic action will not give outright warnings such as telling the parent "I plan to run away."

Rather, this indicates a cry for attention.  If she WANTED to run away, she likely would have done so by now, and would have done it smart, by doing so in a way that you would not be able to find her.

The fact that she is being so bold about it means that there is something else going on; she is using "running away" as a threat because she wants something to change.  Try talking to her calmly, and rationally, and seeing what she wants to change (the reason she is so unhappy at home).

If it is something unreasonable such as "I want to stay out all night" or "Let me drink alcohol" then obviously as a parent you can put your foot down and say "no way."  However, if it is something even moderately reasonable, like a more lenient curfew, less yelling, more respect, etc. then you have a perfect opportunity to have a heart-to-heart talk with your daughter and try to come to terms with each other.

It depends on the state, but generally if someone 16 or older runs away, the police have no jurisdiction to stop them, unless it is believed that they are a danger to themselves or others (criminally or mental health-wise).

Good luck finding out what is wrong and keeping your daughter around.

Answer 3

I think she would have already done it. She's just getting a rise out of you. Let her go. She'll come back within the hour.

Answer 4

maybe you should be nicer to your teen.

why is she wanting to run away?

if you call the cops on her...what if she calls the cops on you about your physical abuse and crack addiction?

are you sure you want to go there?!?!?