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Let’s Talk: Don’t Walk Programme

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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

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
  • Rebellious behaviour
  • Disclosure of intention to run
  • Accumulation of money and possessions
  • Preoccupation
  • Problems at home
What to do if Your Teenager Runs Away From Home
  • Remain calm. Ask yourself why and where your child may have run. Check his/her room, desk and /or clothes for clues. Check local spots your child may frequent, as well as area hospitals and treatment centres if you suspect your child of drug use. Call your child’s employer or coworkers, if any.
  • Contact your child’s friends and their parents, school, neighbours, relatives and others who may know where your child is. Ask them to call if they hear anything. If your child has a computer, check it for leads such as online contacts and details of a planned meeting.
  • Call the police. Have an officer take the report at your home. Give him/her a recent photo of your child and a description of his/her clothes, including jacket, shoes and knapsack colours. Record the officer’s name, telephone, fax and report numbers. Ask who will follow up the initial investigation.
  • Hear the Children’s Cry will produce posters of your child and upload it to their social media pages to alert the public. Make posters of your own and place them in store windows and hand them out at truck stops, youth-oriented businesses, hospitals, treatment centres and law enforcement agencies. Request permission first. Keep track of all posters and remove them once your child has returned.
  • Keep a notebook by the phone. Record all information about the investigation, including all conversations and people you’ve spoken with.
What To Do When Your Teenager Returns Home
  • Be happy. Many teens fear the initial meeting with their parents. Remain calm. Express relief and tell your child you love him/her and that together you will solve any problems.
  • Make follow-up phone calls. Let all your contacts, including the police, know your child has returned home. Police may need to speak or meet with your child.
  • Allow time to settle in. Your child may need a shower, a meal, clean clothes, or sleep.
  • Get medical attention. Visit your family doctor to address any medical concerns.
  • Talk with your teen. Discuss how you can work together to prevent him/her from leaving again. Acknowledge some problems take time and effort to solve. Be sure you resolve the problems safely and reasonably.
  • Look for assistance. Hear the Children’s cry can help counsel your family.
  • Improve communication and the quality of your relationship with your teen so that running away ceases to be an option.