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Running away can be a frightening experience-for both the child and the parents. Your child becomes vulnerable as soon as he or she leaves home- potentially falling victim to drugs, drinking, crime, sexual exploitation, child pornography, or child prostitution. In the face of this, many parents may feel guilty or depressed…or even paralyzed by fear.
It is important for parents to remain calm and rational when they discover that their child has run away. Don't panic or lose sight of the immediate task at hand-to locate the runaway and return him or her safely home.
ACTION
The first 48 hours following the runaway episode are the most important in locating the child. Many runaway children return home during this 48-hour period. To help locate your runaway child, IMMEDIATELY follow these steps:
 Check with your child's friends, school, neighbors, relatives, or anyone else who may know of your child's whereabouts. Ask them to notify you if they hear from the child.
Report the runaway to the local police or sheriffs department (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police can be reached at 702-229-3111). Have an officer respond to your home and take a report.
Write down the officer's name, badge number, telephone number, and the police report number. Find out from the officer who will follow-up with the initial investigation. REMEMBER: Keep a notebook and record all information about the investigation.
Provide the police with a recent photo of your child.
Make sure the police department enters your child's name and description into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer. This information will NOT give your child a police record, but it may aid in his or her safe return.
Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678
Call the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-4000, ask if the child has left a message and leave a message for him or her. Also contact the local runaway shelter (in Las Vegas it is Westcare at 702-385-2020).
WHEN YOUR CHILD RETURNS HOME
When your child is recovered and returns home, make sure to show love and concern for his or her safety-not anger or fear. If you react angrily, your child may feel unwanted and unloved and may runaway again. Make sure that your child understands that you care about him or her. Promptly notify the police, state clearinghouse, NCMEC, the National Runaway Switchboard, or anyone else who may have assisted you. If your child has been away for an extended amount of time, a complete medical examination should be done when he or she returns home, including tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Most important, when your child returns home, try to solve the problems in your family that prompted your child to leave home in the first place. In general, children run away because of problems or stresses in the family or home such as divorce, remarriage, alcoholism, or physical or sexual abuse. If you are unable to deal with family problems effectively, seek the assistance of a trained counselor or professional. It may be necessary for your child to go to a temporary residence or runaway shelter while the family works toward resolving its problems. A trained counselor can help you make this decision.
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