Runaways

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. It is important that you remain calm and rational when you discover that your 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 are the most important in locating the child. Many runaways return home during this time period. To help locate your child, follow these steps immediately:

1. 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 your child. Make sure you notify them that your child has run away.
2. Report the runaway to your local law enforcement agency. In some cases an Alternate Response Officer (A.R.O.) can take your report immediately over the telephone. If you prefer, a deputy will be dispatched to your home to complete the report. Have clothing and jewelry descriptions available. Make an inventory of all items the child has taken.
3. Keep a record of everything you do and everyone you notify, including the date and time. Write down the officer's name, ID number, the deputy's district telephone number, and the report number.
4. Provide the law enforcement agency with a recent photograph of your child.
5. The Lee County Sheriff's Office enters your child's name into the National Crime Information Computer (N.C.I.C.) and the Florida Crime Information Computer (F.C.I.C.). This information will not give your child a police record, but it may aid in your child's safe return.
6. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Tallahassee (904-488-5224) has a clearinghouse on missing children. Make sure you call them and pass on the necessary information about your child.
7. Call or check local spots that your child may frequent. If desired, call local hospital and treatment centers. If your child is employed, call the employer or co-workers. Make sure you tell them your child is a runaway and request their assistance.
8. Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (TDD 1-800-826-7653) and file a report with their office. They will also be able to provide you with information on services they offer.
9. Call your local runaway hotline or youth shelter. In Lee County, the Oasis Shelter has 24 hour telephone service. They can be reached at 332-2251. You may wish to discuss counseling after your child has been located, or other services they may offer.
10. The National Runaway Switchboard also has a hotline. Call 1-800-621-4000. You can ask if your child has left a message, and leave a message for your child.
11. Make fingerprints and dental records available to law enforcement. This information may need to be added to existing computer entries.
12. If desired, make posters or fliers containing a photograph of your child, along with physical identifiers and who to contact if your child is seen. These fliers can be placed in store windows (with permission), truck stops, youth-oriented businesses, hospitals, treatment centers and law enforcement agencies.

The Sheriff's Office will issue an "all points bulletin" to all on-duty personnel and send teletypes to all law enforcement agencies in the area. Once your child is entered into the NCIC and FCIC computers, law enforcement officers have access to this information. These computers help identify thousands of missing persons and runaways every year.

WHEN YOUR CHILD RETURNS

When your child is located or returns home, your first reaction should be to show love and concern for his or her safety. Anger or fear is best expressed at another time. If your immediate reaction is anger then your child may feel unloved and may run away again. The child needs to know that he or she is cared about, and not made to feel guilty for putting others through a difficult time. These are valid concerns, but they are best expressed later.

Make sure that you notify the agencies and individuals who may have assisted you. It is especially important that law enforcement knows so that your child's name can be removed from the FCIC and NCIC computer systems. The names of missing children are compared to the records of children enrolled in school, so it is important that your child's name to be removed immediately.

If your child has been away for an extended period of time, a complete medical examination may be appropriate when he or she returns home.

Once the child is safe, it is important to try to resolve the problems that prompted your child to leave home in the first place. Children run away for a variety of reasons, including divorce or remarriage of parents, alcoholism, physical or sexual abuse, school problems, peer pressure and illegal activities. It may be necessary for your child to go to a temporary residence or a runaway shelter while the family works toward resolving its problems. A trained counselor can help you make this decision. If you need assistance in locating a counselor in Lee County then please let us know and we will provide you with a list of them that practice in your area.

PREPARATION....JUST IN CASE

There are several ways that parents can be prepared in the event that their child runs away. While some of these measures may be more appropriate for a younger child, they all provide valuable information to aid in the quick recovery of a runaway.

1. Keep a complete written description of your child, including hair and eye color, height, weight, date of birth, and specific physical attributes, such as scars or birthmarks.
2. Take color photographs of your child every six months. Head and shoulder portraits from different angles, such as those taken by school photographers are preferable.
3. Make sure your dentist prepares a full dental chart on your child and updates them with each exam. If you move, get a copy of these dental records to keep in your files until a new dentist is found.
4. Find out from your doctor where your child's medical records are located. All permanent scars, birthmarks, broken bones and medical needs should be recorded.
5. Arrange with the Sheriff's Office to have your child fingerprinted. The agency will give you the fingerprint card. They will not keep a record of your child's prints.