If you’re struggling to communicate with the young people in your life or if they have left home, we’re here to assist you. Our team will listen to your concerns and work with you to create a plan.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Providing communication strategies to bridge the generation gap
- Offering support and guidance for parents whose children have left home
- Connecting you with resources and services in your community
- Providing personalized counseling sessions for both parents and young people
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating the challenges of parenting or if you’re struggling with communication in your family. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Your Privacy Matters
We value and prioritize your confidentiality.
Contact Us Anonymously
When you reach out to the National Runaway Safeline, your interaction remains anonymous unless you choose to disclose personal details. Your privacy is crucial to us, and we do not track any personal information.
If you are in need of help, support, or just someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to listen and provide guidance in a safe and confidential environment. You can contact us via our 24/7 hotline, online chat, or email. Remember, your privacy is our priority.
Our Support Services
We offer round-the-clock assistance
Connecting You with Vital Resources
Our trained team engages daily with concerned adults, providing guidance, listening to your stories, and connecting you to essential resources that support young individuals.
Access to National and Local Resources
Our extensive database includes numerous resources and organizations nationwide. We can help connect you to local services tailored to your needs. For more information about the organizations we collaborate with, click on the provided link.
Communication and Reconnection
You can leave a message for your child with our team, and we will deliver it when they reach out to us. Additionally, we facilitate three-way calls when you and your child are prepared to have a conversation.
Get in Touch with Us
Contact us in whichever way is most convenient for you. We are here to listen and offer our support.
Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or visit us in person, we are always available to assist you. Our dedicated team is ready to address any questions or concerns you may have, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Additional Information for Parents of Runaway Children
It is important to remember that running away is often a sign of underlying issues that your child may be facing. In addition to the practical steps mentioned earlier, here are some tips for parents to address the emotional needs of their runaway child:
- Listen to your child without judgment and validate their feelings.
- Seek professional help for your child if needed, such as counseling or therapy.
- Encourage open communication and create a safe space for your child to share their thoughts and emotions.
- Reassure your child that you love them unconditionally and are there to support them through difficult times.
- Work on building trust with your child by being consistent, understanding, and patient.
Remember that every child is different, and their reasons for running away may vary. By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of the situation, you can work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment for your child.
Your Child’s Current Living Arrangement
If your child is currently residing with a foster carer or family/kinship carer and cannot safely return home, the Children’s Court may decide that staying in their current home is in their best interest. In cases where the current carer cannot provide the necessary care and support, a caseworker may need to find alternative carers.
Even in long-term care situations, you remain the parent of the child. Your child deserves a positive relationship with you, and in most cases, you can spend time with them and be involved in important decisions.
If your circumstances improve and become suitable for your child, you can initiate the process to reunite through the court. For further information, consult with your lawyer about a Section 90 application, which deals with altering care orders issued by the Children’s Court.
It is important to maintain communication with your child’s carer and caseworker to stay informed about your child’s well-being and progress. Building a positive relationship with them can also help in facilitating the reunification process if and when the time is right.
Assigning a Guardian for Your Child
The caseworker may search for a guardian to care for your child. A guardian can be any individual over 18 who can offer a safe and nurturing environment. The guardian must agree to maintain contact between your child and you and support their cultural needs.
Once someone becomes your child’s guardian, they hold full legal responsibility for decisions concerning your child’s life, including their health, education, and general well-being, ensuring they are loved, safe, active, and healthy.
Despite having a guardian, you remain the parent of the child. You can still spend time with them and be part of significant moments. The guardian exercises parental responsibility until your child reaches the age of 18.
If your child has a guardian, the Department of Community Justice may no longer be involved with you. If you wish to bring your child home, you can apply to the Children’s Court for a modification in the order. Seek legal advice to explore this possibility.
Considering Open Adoption
If your child cannot return home, open adoption may be explored as an option. The Department of Community Justice will discuss the possibility of adoption with you before making any decisions.
The Supreme Court has the authority to finalize adoptions. Once approved, adoptive parents assume full legal rights over your child. However, open adoption allows your child to stay connected with their birth family as they grow up.
If adoption is being considered, families will work together to create an adoption plan, incorporating family time and communication post-adoption.
All parties involved should prioritize the child’s best interests, especially as they continue to grow and develop.
Coping with Difficult Emotions
It can be challenging to accept that your child cannot come home. Seek support from friends or reach out for assistance if negative thoughts arise, such as contacting Lifeline.
While acknowledging your own emotions, remember that your child still needs you. You will always be their parent, and they will always rely on you.
Separation anxiety is common when children are apart from loved ones or caregivers. Infants and toddlers may experience this as they develop a sense of object permanence.
Your childcare provider can support children in coping with separation anxiety by fostering relationships with educators, regulating emotions, and reassuring children about the return of their caregivers.
Addressing Separation Anxiety in Toddlers
Toddlers experiencing separation anxiety may display clinginess, refusal to nap, or tantrums. Teachers play a crucial role in supporting these children through consistent routines, positive relationships, and collaboration with parents.
Strategies for Easing Anxiety for Preschoolers
Teachers can help alleviate anxiety in preschoolers by creating welcoming environments, establishing routines, and involving families in the transition to childcare. Providing support for children during separation anxiety is essential for their adjustment to the new environment.
Preschoolers may exhibit behaviors similar to toddlers, including crying, clinging to family members, and tantrums. Additional signs of separation anxiety in preschoolers may include regression in skills and resistance to napping.
Providing Coping Strategies for Preschoolers
Preschoolers can benefit from learning coping mechanisms to manage their feelings and enhance independence. Teachers can introduce calming methods to aid preschoolers dealing with separation anxiety.
1. Encouraging Breathing Exercises
Engage preschoolers in breathing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and increase oxygen levels. Guidance on simple breathing activities can help calm children and alleviate separation anxiety.
Introduce belly breathing as a practical exercise for young children. Instruct them to sit or lie down and breathe slowly while focusing on filling their chest with air and releasing it gently.
2. Establishing a Calming Environment
In addition to play areas, create a calming space equipped with art supplies, stuffed animals, and coloring materials. Encourage children to engage in creative activities or write letters to their parents.
3. Maintaining a Consistent Routine
Teach preschoolers about the daily schedule to provide a sense of security. Use visual aids to indicate pickup times and help children understand when their parents will return.
4. Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms
Explain to children that anxiety is a normal emotion with symptoms like stomachaches or sweating. Encourage them to self-monitor and identify when they feel anxious.
5. Reading Reassuring Books
Explore children’s literature addressing separation anxiety to educate preschool-aged kids. Some examples include:
6. Assign Unique Responsibilities to Each Child
Delegate classroom duties to instill a sense of accountability and alleviate anxiety by fostering concentration.
Separation anxiety tips for parents
Cultivating a positive atmosphere in the classroom can help alleviate separation anxiety. Provide advice to parents to facilitate a smooth transition into child care.
Let staff know in advance
Be vigilant for signs of potential separation anxiety before a child commences schooling. Inform the faculty to approach the transition with sensitivity.
Create a routine
Establish a consistent routine to alleviate concerns about instability. Schedule parts of the day for predictability when bringing your child to preschool.
Remain positive and upbeat
Maintain a positive attitude during drop-off to promote children’s independence. Utilize comforting language and refrain from lingering or sneaking away during farewells.
Don’t introduce reasons to worry
Be cautious of the language you use when discussing preschool to prevent exacerbating separation anxiety. Normalize attending preschool as a regular part of life.
Make a proper exit
Institute farewell rituals to establish expectations. Avoid the urge to prolong goodbyes and promptly depart after bidding farewell.
Help the children at your program overcome their separation anxiety
Assist toddlers and preschoolers in your program in feeling secure by providing individualized attention, teaching self-soothing techniques, and offering comfort with items from home. Validate their emotions and reassure them of their safety.