What Should We Do if Our 15 Year Old Child Has Run Away

[ajgilroy]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: WA

He ran away Friday after school and then returned home Tuesday at 1:30 AM? The background is he has done some things to us as well as his grandparents that caused much distress. He has stolen anything and everything from them and he is a liar. He told us he was going to bed, instead he went into the house and I went to a friends and his father left for 30 minutes. He called someone and they picked him up. We know the 21 year olds name and the town that we think they are in. He also has a major problem with authority figures. What should we do. Is it considered kidnapping if he willingly left with an adult? Please Help

[Disagreeable]

You should have reported him missing. I suggest you inform police and see if they will pursue charges against the adult and possibly your child for being unruly. It sounds like counseling is the best place to start with your child.

[PQN]

1. Call the police and report him as a runaway. (If your child is still at the 21 year olds, call the police in that town and ask for a peace escort to retrieve your child. If you suspect that sex is involved, tell the police as well.)

2. Have an attorney send a certified letter to the 21 year old demanding he cease all contact with your minor child and if he does not, get a restraining order.

3. Get your child in therapy. Join a support group for difficult to parent kids. Depending on his other issues, in-person groups are offered by NAMI, FA, AA, etc. Or you can join one online, like http://www.conductdisorders.com/forum/

At 15, you still have some time to reach him.