13 Year Old Daughter Ran Away

[Unregistered]

My 13 year old daughter ran away and I feel totally helpless. Police aren't doing anything and I feel like a horrible mother that I can't keep my daughter from running away. She ran because she doesn't want to go to school, she doesn't like being lectured and yelled at about doing chores and she is smoking marijuana, which we do not do, and we do not allow.

I just don't know what I am supposed to do. She has been gone for 19 days. She called my oldest daughter, who is 18 and lives in her own place, about a 8 or 9 days ago, and my 13-year old told my oldest daughter she was going home in a couple of days. Since then she has read the messages I have sent her on Facebook, but she never responds. My oldest daughter sent her another message 2 days ago and asked her to call her again, but she has not called her either.

I am overwhelmed and just don't know what to do. I have reached out to her friends, and they all claim they have not seen or spoken to her in several weeks, but who knows if that is the truth?

I miss her terribly and this is killing me, emotionally. I am just devastated. I have not told anyone in my family that she is gone, I just don't know what to say and I don't want to be judged and blamed. I have tried everything I know to do to get her back on a path of happiness and success and I have failed, miserably.

Looking for any guidance, and words of advice.

Thank you!

[ccsmod9]

RE: 13 Year Old Daughter Ran Away

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us. It seems like you are in a very difficult position. Let us start by saying that you are doing the right thing and are taking the right steps. One thing you can try is reporting to the NCMEC, which would put her name in a national database. That number is 1-800-843-5678. You can also try Operation Lookout at 1-800-566-5688. They would be helpful with coordinating with law enforcement and getting the word out. It sounds like you are hesitant to let your friends and family know she is gone. It may be beneficial to let some people know in case they are in touch with her; the may be a good resource for you to help get her back. It is a positive that she has been reading your messages and keeping in contact with her sister so at least you know hopefully she is okay.
It seems like you are in a difficult situation and it may be worth it to figure out what your next steps should be when she returns home. An option is most states have a courts system program like “CINS” OR “PINS” where your child can have an extra form or supervision. Also if you need assistance in figuring out what your best next steps should be upon her arrival you can contact us directly at 1-800-RUNAWAY. You are doing a great job and are on the right path. It is great that she has someone that cares about her so much. It is also important to keep yourself healthy during this time. You can contact Team HOPE to talk to other parents and see what they have done in similar situations. Their number is 1-866-305-4673. We hope this helped. We hope to hear from you soon. Good luck and stay strong.
NRS