3 Things To Do If Your Child Leaves Home Without Permission

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your child’s safety.  So, remember to build parental ​​authority. If your child leaves home without permission, he is technically a runaway. Parental guidance for this behavior includes the following:

1. Call the police. 
   - This sends the message to teenagers that it is not okay to leave home without permission.
   - The police are responsible for the safety of citizenry; your child is not safe if you do not know where he is.
   - Parents are responsible for what happens to their child even when he is not at home.
   - Having a record of your child going missing will prevent you from being accused of neglect.
2. Once your child is safely home, give negative consequences for the behavior.
   - Consequences can include loss of privileges, such as a cell phone, car keys, or video games.
   - Give additional chores.
   - Be consistent. 
   - Issue chores and negative consequences in a calm manner.
3. Communicate the dangers of running away to your children.
   - Lack of food and shelter
   - Bad weather
   - Lack of money
   - Missed school days
   - Violence on the streets
   - Exposure to illegal ​activities

The bottom line is that you​ are the adult and your teen is the child.  As such, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe. ​Knowing where he is and whom he is with is necessary to keeping him safe.