Select Page

Let’s Talk: Don’t Walk Programme

Click To Fill Form:

Let's Talk : Don't Walk

  • Hello, if you're here that must mean that you feel like running away. We want you to consider a few things before you do something you may regret. Please take this short survey.

  • Thank you for your submission

    Hear the children's Cry would like to help you. We provide FREE counseling face to face and over the phone. Please provide us with the necessary information to contact you. Remember, let's talk before you walk

Runaway Prevention Programme

“Let’s Talk, Don’t Walk”

Children run away for a number of reasons. On most   occasions they return home safely. However,   running away can be a scary thing for both child and parent.

Tips For Parents

How to Try To Prevent Your Teenager From Running Away
  • Regularly spend quality time with each of your teens. Listen to them attentively in a non-judgmental way. Praise appropriate behaviour.
  • Take their concerns seriously. Do not dismiss their worries and fears.
  • Pay attention when they ask you for help. Make your teen your priority.
  • Confront trouble signs directly, firmly and calmly. Discuss your concerns and the consequences of continued unacceptable behaviour. Avoid lectures.
  • Talk with others. Your teen’s friends, their parents or their teachers may have helpful suggestions.
  • Speak with professional counsellors about your situation.
Signs Your Son or Daughter Is Thinking About Running Away From Home
  • Changes in behaviour patterns
  • Unruly/Rebellious behaviour
  • Disclosure of intention to run
  • Accumulation of money and possessions
  • Appearing distracted
  • Problems at home
My child has run away, What can I do?
  1. Immediately report your child missing to the nearest Police Station. Don’t take anything for granted.
  2. Try telephoning him or her. If there is no answer leave a text message saying that you love and miss him or her and want him or her to come home.
  3. Speak to the other youngsters in the home, brother(s), sister(s) cousin(s) or step children.
  4. Check to see if your child took personal belongings like clothes, money or a telephone charger.
  5. Check Facebook or other social networking sites that your child may have used.
  6. Speak to your child’s friend(s)
  7. Ask yourself the following questions:
    • Has my child left home before, and if so, what happened the last time my child left?
    • What is my plan when my child returns?
    • What might be the reason(s) why my child left home?
What To Do When Your Teenager Returns Home?
  1. Talk to your child in a compassionate way rather than just punishing them.
  2. Let them know that running away is dangerous and could cost their life.
  3. Get to the bottom of why they left home.
  4. Figure out the exact nature of your child’s concerns.
  5. Be honest with yourself about your home environment.   Is there something that is making your child unhappy?  Which environment is causing the stress – friend circles, school or home?
  6. Show your child unconditional love.  Hug your child often, and don’t be afraid to say “I love you” every day.
  7.  Never punish your child when you are angry.

Tips For Children

How to keep Yourself Safe
  • Pray before leaving home.
  • Always tell your parents, guardians or the adult in charge, where you are going and the time you are expected to return.
  • Be honest with your parents about where you have been and who you have been with.
  • Take a friend with you when going anywhere. It’s safer and more fun.
  • Do not take any treats or gifts offered by people.
  • Always lock the door when you are at home by yourself and do not open the door to anyone when you are home alone.
  • Never tell anyone that you are alone at home.
  • Never go into a public restroom by yourself.
  • Always travel in groups and never go alone to malls, movies or game shops.
  • Never take short cuts or go to deserted places or areas.
  • Don’t wear clothes or carry items with your name on the outside.
  • Don’t get into a strange vehicle or go near a strange vehicle with anyone in it. Avoid illegal taxis. (The legal ones carry red license plates).
  • Never take a ride from anyone at school without checking with your parents.
  • Do no talk to strangers.
  • If someone suspicious comes up to you, run away and go somewhere where there are other people.
  • If a stranger attempts to touch or pull you, shout very loud, “I don’t know you!”

Don’t Let Them Run!

Building a happy home environment
  1. Spend quality time with your child, speaking with them and getting to know them.
  2. Share stories, laughter, and activities (e.g. games, movies).
  3. Create boundaries that your child understands. Explain how risky it is for them when they leave home.
  4. Build on your child’s special gifts and talents. Encourage them in the activities they like to do.
  5. Pay attention to your child’s everyday activities. There are certain behavioural changes that could indicate your child’s intention to run away – packing bags, stowing money, food and their favourite items, can be signs of planning to run away.
  6. Get outside help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you don’t know what to do. You can get help by calling the following agencies:

Hear The Children’s Cry: (876) 929-0431; (876) 294-8124, (876) 822-0483

Child Protection & Family Services Agency: 1-800-776-8328

Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences & Child Abuse (CISOCA):  (876) 926-4079