Runaway Teens: A Guide for Parents

It’s every parent’s nightmare—waking up or coming home to find that your teenager is gone. For many families, this scenario is not just a bad dream; it’s a frightening reality. Each year, an estimated 1 in 7 teens runs away or becomes homeless at some point, according to national statistics.

While it’s easy to assume that running away is simply an act of rebellion, the truth is more complicated. Teens don’t run away just to “cause trouble.” Most often, they’re reacting to something painful, overwhelming, or misunderstood. Whether it’s family conflict, trauma, mental health struggles, or substance use, running away can feel like the only option in the moment.

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center in Agoura Hills, California, we’ve worked with many families facing this exact crisis. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening behind the scenes, what steps to take when your teen runs away, and how to rebuild trust and safety when they return.

This guide is here to offer you clarity, support, and hope.

Common Reasons Teens Run Away

The decision to run away is rarely impulsive. More often, it’s a response to persistent emotional distress or unresolved conflict. While every teen is different, here are some common reasons they may choose to leave home:

• Family conflict or instability: Frequent arguments, divorce, or abuse can make home feel unsafe.
• Mental health struggles: Teens dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma may feel misunderstood or unsupported.
• Substance use: Addiction—whether their own or a parent’s—can lead teens to seek escape.
• Bullying or social isolation: Some teens feel rejected by peers or overwhelmed by school pressures.
• Identity struggles: LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, may run away if they fear judgment or lack of acceptance at home.
• Romantic issues or peer pressure: Relationships and friendships can influence teens’ decisions more than parents realize.

In many cases, teens don’t run away to “get back” at their parents—they run away because they don’t know how else to cope.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Teen Runs Away

If your teen is missing, it’s important to act quickly while remaining as calm and clear-headed as possible. Here’s what you can do:

1. Contact local law enforcement immediately. You do not need to wait 24 hours to report a missing teen. Provide a recent photo, full description, and any information about where they might be headed.
2. Reach out to friends and relatives. Ask around to see if anyone has heard from them. Teens often go to people they trust when they leave home.
3. Check digital devices and social media. Look for clues in text messages, DMs, recent posts, or GPS data if available.
4. Notify their school or employer. Teachers and school staff might have useful information or notice patterns that you haven’t seen.
5. File a report with the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-RUNAWAY. They offer 24/7 support and help with reunification.
6. Stay available and open. If your teen contacts you, let them know you love them, want them safe, and are ready to talk when they’re ready.

The way you respond during this time can influence whether your teen feels safe enough to return. Try to balance boundaries with compassion—even if you’re scared, angry, or hurt.

What to Expect When Your Teen Comes Home

When a runaway teen returns home, the instinct might be to lay down strict rules or demand answers. But first, it’s important to reestablish emotional safety.

Here are a few key steps for reconnecting:

• Start with empathy. Begin by asking if they’re okay and if they want to talk about what happened.
• Avoid blame or lectures. Focus on understanding what led them to leave rather than assigning guilt.
• Create space for honest conversation. Teens need to feel like they can speak openly without fear of punishment or shame.
• Establish clear, calm boundaries. Once they’re home and safe, talk about expectations moving forward.
• Involve professional support. Whether it’s a therapist, school counselor, or treatment center, outside guidance can help mend the relationship.

If your teen ran away due to emotional or mental health struggles, returning home doesn’t automatically fix the problem. They need time, care, and a team that can help guide them back to stability.

When Professional Help Is Needed

Sometimes, a teen running away is a symptom of deeper issues that require more than parental support. If your child continues to struggle with emotional regulation, defiance, or unsafe behaviors, it may be time to consider professional treatment.

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we provide evidence-based residential care for teens dealing with issues like:

• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Substance use or addiction
• Family conflict or defiance
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Our campus in Agoura Hills offers a structured, therapeutic environment where teens can receive personalized treatment while still experiencing the freedom and support they need to heal.

We incorporate both traditional and holistic therapies—including art, yoga, equine therapy, and individualized counseling—so that each teen feels seen, heard, and understood. Treatment at Hillcrest isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about building lifelong emotional tools and restoring the family system.

Supporting Siblings and the Family Unit

When one child runs away, it affects the whole household. Parents may feel torn between relief and anger, and siblings often feel overlooked or scared. It’s important to acknowledge that the entire family needs care, too.

Consider:

• Family therapy to process the emotional fallout
• Sibling support to help them express their feelings and restore security
• Parental self-care, because your mental health matters in this journey

No family is perfect—but with the right help, healing is possible.

Contact Us for Support

Dealing with a runaway teen can feel like your entire world is unraveling. But the truth is, many teens who run away aren’t trying to escape you—they’re trying to escape something inside themselves. With empathy, action, and professional support, families can come through this crisis stronger than ever. If your teen has run away, or if you’re constantly walking on eggshells waiting for the next crisis, you’re not alone—and it’s not too late to find support.

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we specialize in helping teens and families navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. Our residential program in Agoura Hills, California, offers a peaceful, private setting where teens can begin to rebuild emotionally, mentally, and relationally. Whether your teen is home and struggling, or you’re still searching for answers, we’re here to help.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let Hillcrest walk alongside you—toward healing, understanding, and a renewed sense of hope.

Call us now at 800-275-1707 or verify your insurance.