Parents can get more information by checking out the 'talk pages'. Click the button below.
 

Preventing running away

Remember that running away is not really the problem - young people generally resort to running away because there's something deeper that's bothering them which they don't feel they can deal with. If you have noticed your young person showing any of the above signs, they may feel they are getting out of their depth and they MAY think about running away. So what can you do to prevent that from happening?

• Find time to talk and be together as a family
• Listen carefully to your teenager
• Provide opportunities for both choice and structure. This is what your teenager needs at this point in his or her life.
• Think about the message you give your children about how you feel about them, and find a way to give the message you want to give.
• Get help when things seems out of hand
• Don't throw your child out. Signs of problems can be so upsetting that sometimes parents ignore them or see no alternative except throwing their child out. Remember their options on the street. Seek help for you and your child. If your child cannot live at home, find a friend, relative or some safe place for them to go.
• Call ASTRA (if in Gloucestershire), Social Services or Parentline for help. If you are in another area of the country, please see the map of UK projects for young runaways.

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