What to do if your child
is away from home

Don’t panic and don’t assume the worst. Most children who leave home stay locally and return within 24hrs.

If there has been conflict, take a breather, maybe speak to someone who you know will calm the situation down and not inflame it.

Next, the most important thing is that your child stays safe and it is your responsibility to check that they are (1 in 12 young people away from home are harmed whilst away.) Call, text or get a message to them to check they are safe, at this point do not go over whatever caused them to go.

You need to check where they are, make a list of friends and relatives and check if they know where they are. Maybe make arrangements for them to have somewhere else to stay for a calming down period.

If you haven’t heard from them and can’t locate them within a reasonable time frame, you should call the police and report them as a Missing Person. Dorset Police non emergency number is 01202 222222. If you feel your child is at high risk of coming to harm and it could be a life or death situation the 999 emergency number should be used.

When your son or daughter returns home:

DO NOT immediately try to sort out the issue that caused them to go in the first place. Agree a cooling off period – maybe 24hrs.

DO make sure they know you are relieved that they are safe. Your child needs to know that they are loved by you, even though they may be causing all sorts of grief.

DO NOT go down to their level of communication, you are an adult.

DO try to understand their point of view. Listen with an open mind to what they have to say. What compromises can you both make?

DO consider seeking outside help – an independent person may help you see things from each other’s point of view.