Running away can be a frightening experience-for both the child and the parents

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What to do if your child runs away.

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-potentially falling victim to drugs, drinking, crime, sexual exploitation, child pornography, child prostitution, AIDS, and murder. In face of this, many parents may feel guilty or depressed…or even paralyzed by fear.

It is very important for parents to remain calm and rational when they discover that their 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. Only you can help your police accomplish that task.

ACTION: The first 48 hours following the runaway are the most important in locating the child. Many runaways return home during this 48-hour period. To help locate your runaway child, follow these steps IMMEDIATELY:

Check with your child's friend, school, neighbors, relatives, or anyone else who may know of your child's whereabouts. Ask them to notify you if they hear from the child.

Report the runaway to the local police or sheriff's department. Have an officer respond to your home to take the report. In the State of Georgia, the law requires the immediate entry into the state and national police computer systems (GCIC/NCIC), if the child is under the age of 17.

Provide the police with recent photo of your child.

Call or check several local spots that your child may frequent, and check with area hospitals and treatment centers. If you child was employed, call the employer or coworkers.

If you have not done so, contact the national Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Make fingerprints and dental records available to the police. This information may need to be added to the existing GCIC/NCIC entry.

Homerville Police