I now have some resources for families who have had a child run away or for a student who thinks running away will be the answer to all of their problems. At least a few times a year, a student will walk through my office doors and state that they want to run away or they are in the process of running away. This hurts so much to hear as I know they are serious and I know they think running away will solve their problems and life will be easier. Yet, in reality, it won't. In fact, it will likely make their life much tougher, much more dangerous, and possibly the worst decision possible.
---We still have the SAP program, the Student Assistance Program, to offer to students who are thinking of running away. This program offers students and/or families 3 free counseling sessions and possibly even a referral to more counseling at a cheap or reduced rate. This could be a great place to start and many students have used this service for a variety of issues over the past 3 years of Carlisle offering this service.
---I now have cards with a National Runaway hotline phone number for a student or parent to call. It is answer 24/7 every day of the year and can be a great voice to talk to and to listen to when school is not in session. As we approach a long holiday break that may bring up a variety of emotions and thoughts, having a phone number handy to talk through these feelings might do the trick.
---I have some pamphlets that speak more directly to the parent of a child who has runaway or is considering running away. Some are tips on what to do if you discover that your child has run away. Some information is about programs that help get your child back safely (and for free!) and to prevent it from happening again, and some of the information is simply practical prevention information. I have listed some of this information below as I feel it is good information to get out to everyone through this blog.
How a Parent Can Prevent a Child from Running Away:
*Pay attention....really listening and really responding
*Show respect...understand what your adolescent child is going through and have honest and open discussions
*Don't lecture....be clear and concise and offer constructive feedback
*Create Responsibility...Give teens choices and help them understand actions carry consequences
*Get to know those who are close to your child...talk with them and their parents. It will help you understand your child better
*Talk with your child and discuss feelings...discuss this runaway 24/7 switchboard, talk about why someone thinks running away is an option, work to understand their feelings, and be open and honest with your feelings. Create a safe environment for discussion.
Warning Signs of a possible runaway attempt:
*Changes in behavior, sudden and dramatic ones.
*Rebellion: dropping grades, truancy, breaking rules
*Talking about running away: Doesn't matter if you think they are serious or not, if they are talking about or threatening it, it could be a sign that they might try it.
*Accumulation of money/possessions: This could mean they are prepping for a runaway attempt
If you have concerns that your child might be considering running away or has run away, please call me and we will work together to make sure your child is safe. My students know that they can talk to me confidentially and be open with their thoughts and feelings, but they also know that I have to break that confidentiality if I feel their life or safety could be at risk or in danger. If I feel they are going to run away from home, I work with the student to contact home so that you can be aware of the situation and work with your child to understand why they are having these thoughts.
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