The worst feeling in the world is when a teen runs away for the 1st time. We have all seen the news when kids are kidnapped by a stranger and either never found or end up dead. All the worst scenarios run through your head. Fifteen years ago, federal legislation was passed directing police to take reports immediately on any missing children under age 18, including runaways. Under the law, that information must be entered into the National Crime Information Center, a computerized database of victims and criminals maintained by the FBI. However, that doesn't mean police start to search immediately. While police officers are required to take a report and assess every missing child case, only the children who are believed to be in danger or are under age 13 or mentally or physically disabled are automatically classified as "critical missing persons." The big problem in most states (including Florida) is that it is not illegal for a teen to runaway. I got sick to my stomach when the police officer told me that. What that means is they will not go looking for your teen. They will put the teen in their computer and if the teen is stopped by the police or involved in a crime then they will do something. 174TeenHelp.com is actively looking to research and change this law. By supporting this web site you will help us to change this crazy law. Please sign our petition so we can take the next step and make it illegal for your teen to runaway.

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