Steps to take if your child becomes a runaway or has been abducted

The following is from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

When your child becomes a runaway the following are steps that you should immediately start.

• Remain calm
• Check with your childs friends, neighbors,relatives,or anyone else who they might know.
• Call or visit the places that your child frequently visits.
• Report the runaway to your local law enforcement.
• Call your local runaway hotline or contact the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800621-4000 they may be able to give you more assistance and advice.
• Keep track of everyone that you have talked to.
• Make sure that law enforcement enters your childs name and description into the National Crime Information Center's Databases. This will be accessable to other law enforcements agencies accross the country. You can also contact the nearest FBI field office for help.
• If it has been a day or two start making posters or fliers. Place them in store windows, truck stops, youth-oriented businesses, hospitals, law-enforcement agencies and local spots that your child may frequent.

Recheck with your child's friends, school, neighbors, and if they are employed, their employer.
If you have reason to believe your child has been abducted do not disturb or remove any of your child's items before law enforcement arrives. Key clues could be disturbed or destroyed. DO NOT DELAY IN CONTACTING LAW ENFORCEMENT YOU NEED TO EXPLAIN ALL OF THE FACTS LEADING TO THE BELIEF THAT YOUR CHILD IS AN ABDUCTION VICTIM,

• Provide a recent photo of your child.
• There is no wating period for reporting a child missing to law encorcement or for entry into the National Crime Information Center Database.