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CRIMES AGAINST YOUTH & FAMILY NAVIGATION ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN SEXUAL ASSAULT JUVENILE SEXUAL ASSAULT FRIEND/FAMILY/ACQUAINTANCE SEXUAL ASSAULT SEX OFFENDER APPREHENSION PROGRAM VICTIM SERVICES MISSING PERSONS - ADULTS - CHILDREN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abduction and Kidnapping Prevention Tips (English) PDF

Abduction and Kidnapping Prevention Tips (Spanish) PDF

Missing juveniles are classified as voluntary, abducted by parent, abducted by stranger, or cause of disappearance unknown.

A Runaway child is considered by to be a voluntary missing juvenile.

A runaway child is always 'at risk" and demands prompt attention by law enforcement. Therefore, Police are empowered under the law to take a runaway child into "protective custody," but the child CANNOT be placed into a lockdown facility or juvenile detention center. Being a runaway is NOT A CRIME - only a "status offense."

When police find a runaway child, they can take the child home or to the nearest runaway youth shelter. The runaway shelter in Clark County is WESTCARE YOUTH CENTER at 5659 W. Duncan, Las Vegas, NV - off of Rancho, between Gowan and Alexander (385-2020).

Police CANNOT make a "forced entry' into a private home to recover a runaway child, unless the child is in danger or life-threatening situation. Police, however, can assist parents when a runaway is uncooperative or there is a risk of violence.

If your child runs away ... remember, "You're not alone."

Running away from home can be a frightening experience - for both the child and the parents. Your child becomes vulnerable as soon as he or she leaves home - potentially falling victim to drugs, drinking, crime, sexual exploitation or child prostitution.

In the face of this, many parents may feel guilty or depressed... even paralyzed with fear. More than 400,000 children runaway from home each year in the United States ... you're not alone. Its important for parents to remain calm and rational when they discover their child has run away. Don't panic or lose sight of the immediate task at hand - to locate the runaway and return him or her home safely.

The first 48 hours following the runaway are the most important in locating the child. Many runaway children return home during this 48-hour period.

Follow these steps immediately!

1. Check with your child's friends and parents, school, relatives, neighbors or anyone who may know your child's whereabouts.Ask them to notify you if they hear from the child.

2. Report the runaway child to your local police or sheriff’s office, and write down the report number. There is no waiting period to report any missing child - including the runaway.

3. Make sure your police department enters your child's name and description into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Computer. This does not give your child a police record, but it may aid in his/her safe return. If local police won't enter your child into the NCIC Computer, the FBI will. Contact your local FBI field office.

4. You can contact the National Center for Missing/Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or the Nevada Childseekers at 458-7009 for assistance.

5. Keep up the search for your missing child. The police can help, but they can not do it alone. It is still your responsibility to find your runaway child.

6. Call or check local spots that your child may frequent, and check area hospitals, schools and juvenile detention centers.

7. You can call the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-4000 and leave a message for him or her.

8. NEVER GIVE UP Your child needs you more than ever now. Success depends on you.