Unfortunately, there are many complex reasons why teens run away from home. As a parent, it can be highly distressing to learn of your teenager’s disappearance, and you may be wondering how to locate them. Please continue reading to learn effective strategies to find a teen runaway and how our Connecticut Missing Persons Investigations for Families can help you find your missing child.
How Common Is Teenage Running Away?
It’s estimated that at least 1.6 million and up to 2.8 million teenagers run away from their homes each year.
Unfortunately, teenagers who run away face immense risks, from homelessness and exploitation to a higher risk of physical and mental health issues. Additionally, teens who run away are more likely to engage in unsafe and risky behavior than those who do not.
It’s important to act quickly when you find that your teenager has run away from home. Generally, the first 48 hours are integral to locating your child and ensuring their safe return.
Why Do Teens Runaway?
There are many reasons why teens decide to leave home. However, it mainly derives from reaching a breaking point where they can’t face another day of bullying, parental abuse, or stress.
Family Conflict and Abuse
Unfortunately, instances of abuse are the leading cause of running away from home in the United States. Research indicates that:
- 47% of children experience conflicts with their parents at home.
- 34% of teen runaways experience sexual abuse at home (80% of those are female).
- 43% of teen runaways reported physical abuse at home.
Mental Health Struggles
While conflict and abuse are two of the most common reasons that teens run away from home, there are a number of other contributing factors. Teenagers with mental health issues, those who abuse substances, and those who are struggling with their identity may run away. These teens often feel misunderstood or constricted by societal and familial norms, values, and rules.
Other Triggers
In some instances, teenagers run away out of fear that they will be abused or neglected, due to bullying at school regarding their identity, or even because they are rejected by their family.
Early Warning Signs Your Teen May Be Considering Running Away
As a parent, understanding the signs that indicate your teen may be preparing to run away is critical to intervening. Some of the most common indicators include:
- Sudden and drastic changes in behavior (withdrawing, angry outbursts, secrecy)
- Talk of hopelessness, escape, or running away
- Unexplained new friends
- New possessions and cash
- Truancy
- Loss of interest in hobbies and usual activities
What To Do Immediately if You Suspect Your Teen Has Run Away
When a teenager goes missing, this urgent situation demands swift action to ensure the child’s well-being. The first 48 hours are critical. Therefore, you should thoroughly search your home to ensure they aren’t hiding somewhere. If you suspect they ran away, you should look for clues that can help you locate their whereabouts.
Step 1. Immediately Contact Law Enforcement
From here, you should call the police. It’s crucial to report them as missing so the police can begin using their resources to find them. They can begin an investigation while entering important information into national databases to help locate your child.
Step 2. Contact National Support Services and Hotlines
Utilizing services like the National Runaway Safeline, which is available 24/7 for confidential support, can offer invaluable resources and advice for families going through this issue.
Step 3. Spread the Word
After alerting the authorities, you should contact your child’s friends. Teens often lean on their friends for help, and may have helped your child disappear. Contacting their friends will also help spread the word quickly about the disappearance and trigger the involvement of other people searching for your child. It’s also beneficial to check local hangout spots in your neighborhood. You should also put up posters around your community and on social media to help draw attention to your missing teen.
Step 4. Examine Digital Clues
You should look through your child’s phone and other devices to find valuable clues that indicate where they may be. You should look at their social media posts, messages, and call history to see who they last contacted. You may be able to track them through their phone if it’s with them.
How a Private Investigator Can Help
Working with a private investigator in Connecticut can play a critical role in locating your teen. Though working with law enforcement is critical, a private investigator can supplement the police investigation by pursuing leads that the police may not prioritize. This includes running background checks on associated individuals, checking social media, and conducting interviews with friends and family.
It’s important to understand that private investigators do not replace police or supersede their boundaries. Private investigators are bound to important limitations and collaborate with law enforcement over the course of an investigation
When Should I Call a Private Investigator and What Should I Ask?
You may wish to consider hiring a private investigator when your teen is missing if there are no leads after the initial investigation, or you have reason to believe that your teen is in immediate danger of being exploited or trafficked
What to Ask a Private Investigator
- Do you have experience locating missing teenagers?
- How do you coordinate with law enforcement?
- How are updates communicated?
- What are realistic timelines?
Contact Our Connecticut Private Investigation Firm
If you believe your Connecticut teenager has run away, it’s in your best interest to connect with our dedicated firm. At Advanced Investigations, we are prepared to help you with your missing persons case. Our private investigators will use their resources to gather pertinent clues to locate your loved one. Contact us today to discuss the circumstances of your case and learn how we can help you through these difficult times.
