My nephew

[Unregistered]

My 14 year old nephew has runaway. His mother is so lost and wants to give up. This is a continuing issue and we are not sure where to turn for help. He does not live in an abusive or neglected home. He and his step-father don't get along but not to the point of him needing to run away. His reasoning, "I want to do what I want, when I want, with no consequences" He has tried living with his father, and his other aunt. We know where he goes, The parent that takes him in is always calling and telling my sister to come get him but won't tell him to stop running away. This has caused problems cause as soon as my sister picks him up he runs back there the next day. This parent has also encouraged my nephew to make jokes about the posters and flyers that have been put up. Obviously not the greatest influence, (but that is a whole other issue.) Anyways, my sister wants to give up and I know that as a parent she can't, but what is really left to do.

[Unregistered]

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard during this difficult time. It sounds like your sister is going through a lot and it’s great that you contacted us for assistance.

It sounds like your nephew runs when he gets into an argument with his stepfather or can’t get his own way and that his father allows for him to get away with more than his mom. You mentioned that he has also tried living with his other aunt; is that a similar situation to his father?

You said that his father encourages him to make jokes about the posters that have been hung regarding his running; does this mean your sister has contacted the local police? If so, what have they said to her regarding him? It sounds like such a frustrating situation for your sister and hopefully we can provide some resources to help her out.

One place that she could contact when he leaves is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). They can help make sure that he is listed as a runaway and provide her with other resources. Their hotline number is 1-800-THE-LOST (843-567 and their website is http://www.ncmec.org

They also have a hotline for parents of youth that have or are runaways. This is called Team H.O.P.E. (Help Offering Parents Empowerment). They can connect her with other parents who can offer emotional support and empowerment. The number is 1-866-305-4673 and www.teamhope.org

There may be other resources available to your sister that are more local or run through departments in her state. You or she can call us at anytime at 1-800-RUNAWAY, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to speaking with you.