16 yr old we need help!!!!!

[Guest]

I have a 16 yr old niece who has run away from home several times. She is using drugs, herion, coke, pot and drinking cough syrup. We are trying to get her in treatment (she is already in out patient) but in the state of washington the child has to consent to treatment!!!! What a load of cr*p right!!! Now we have even called the cops on her ourselves saying she is a treat to herself. Problem is that she is very smart and tells all the so call professionals what they want to hear and they let her go!!!!! Now we are told we have to get her busted with the law in order to get help!! Last time we surched her we found herion and called the cops they just told us to flush it!!! How do we go about doing this when now she is out on the streets now and hiding from us!!! all we want to do is get her help!! Advice PLEASE!!!!!

[ccsmod5]

Re: 16 yr old we need help!!!!!

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out to the National Runaway Switchboard. Sounds like there are intense things happening at home and unfortunately you don't seem to be getting the help and attention you need. That has got to be extremely difficult and frustrating when the people who we think are supposed to help us, let us down. Who else have you reached out to in your city? Have you had a chance to speak with family, the school (teachers), social workers, etc? Has she ever been tested and if so, has she ever come out positive? Sometimes those tesat results could help you prove to the police or juvenile detention that she is using and then they could put her in a rehab program.

It sounds like you are experiencing all sorts of issues but drug use/abuse being the main concern. Do oyu think it would be helpful to contact any drug abuse advocates or parent support groups? Many families go the route where they seek help and assistance for themselves and in turn learn about new ways and resources that would help the person (in this case your niece) abusing drugs.

Here are a few agencies that could provide very solid advocacy for families concerning drug abuse and running away:

Team HOPE (help offering parents empowerment)
1888.305.4673

Alcohol and Drug Helpline
1800.821.4357

Families Anonymous
1800.736.9805

Hopefully some of those agencies will give you some more ideas about what you and your family could do. If you are willing and able to call in to our hotline, we are available 24 hrs a day and we would be grateful to speak with you about what other options may be available to you.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing the detials of your situation.

Best of luck,
NRS