On this page: What does it mean if I am reported 'missing'? | Why do some people run away? | What could happen to me if I ran away? | Where can I get help if I'm thinking about running away or have run away?

Running away

Running away is when a child or young person chooses to leave home or care without their parents or carer telling them they can.

Most young people who run away from home do so to avoid what's going on in their personal circumstances and usually see themselves as 'runaways' rather than 'missing' children or young people

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What does it mean if I'm reported 'missing'?

If you or someone you know runs away and no one knows where you are, whatever the reasons for running away or 'disappearing', you will be reported as 'missing'. You will be 'missing' until you are found and you are thought to be safe. If you stay out later than you are supposed to, but your parents or carers know where you are, you will not be seen to be 'missing'.

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Why do some young people run away?

There can be many reasons why you or someone you know might feel that running away from home is the only solution to your problems. Some of these reasons might be:

• You don't get on with your family
• You feel unsafe at home
• You have other problems outside of your home, i.e. being bullied or involved in drugs, etc.
• Some children and young people run away because they are being abused, neglected or experiencing violence where they're living

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What could happen to me if I run away?

By running away you could put yourself in a lot of danger. Sleeping rough is very dangerous for young people. Below are just some of the examples of difficulties that you might face:

• You could become a victim of street crime or get involved in committing crimes
• Have increased health issues
• · Find it hard to go home, as you might think or worry that you will be in trouble

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Where can I get help if I'm thinking about running away or have run away?

Whatever the problem, there are many people that can help you, and it's never too later to try and sort out your situation. Getting help whilst you are still living at home is usually a better option than running away.

If you're thinking of running away or have already run away, speak to someone you trust to see if they can help. There are also websites (listed below) that can provide useful information:

• www.shelter.org.uk
• www.talkdontwalk.org.uk

If you feel you have to get out straightaway due to your own safety, for example someone with whom you are living is being violent or abusive towards you, you must get help immediately. If you are in such a situation, you can:

Speak to a social worker by contacting:
Referral and Assessment Service
Children's Specialist Services
Welbeck House
43-51 Wandsworth High Street
London
SW18 2PU
Telephone: 020 8871 6622

Outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays or on weekends): 020 8871 6000

In an emergency call the Police on telephone number 999

Childline is the free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK.  You can call them on 0800 1111.  They also have a website with lots of useful advice: www.childline.org.uk/Helpandadvice.asp

You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 for children and young people.  They also have a website www.nspcc.org.uk/kidszone

Another helpful website with helpful advice about what to do if you are worried or scared is www.worriedneed2talk.org.uk. 

www.there4me.com is a website that covers issues like abuse, bullying, exams, drugs and self-harm.  It there's something bad that's happening and you want to know what to do, you can contact people who can help thought the website and no one else has to know. 

Call National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 24