We know some youth run away because they feel scared, unheard, or stuck. Our goal is to offer hope, support, and safer options. This page shares vital resources for runaway youth, worried families, and those ready to help.
Maybe things at home feel too hard, or no one seems to understand what you’re going through. You might be thinking about leaving—or maybe you've already left. Either way, we want you to know one thing:
You matter. And you don’t have to face this alone.
Running away might seem like the only option, but there are people out here who care about you and want to help—without judgment. There are safe places to go, people to talk to, and ways to get support that don’t put your safety at risk.
Whether you just need someone to listen, a ride home, a place to stay, or help navigating a tough situation—we’ve gathered real resources here that are made for you. Everything on this page is private, safe, and focused on helping you take your next step—whatever that may be.
You’re not a problem. You’re not a burden. You’re not broken.
You’re a person going through something hard—and you deserve help, hope, and healing. Whatever brought you here doesn’t define you. You matter. You’re not alone.
There are people who care and want to help, without judgment.
We’re here for you—always.
To listen, support, and walk with you toward safety and a better future.
ALL LINKS ARE ACTIVE IN THE DOWNLOADABLE VERSION
This pamphlet provides essential, youth-friendly information for teens who may be thinking about running away or are already in crisis. It includes contact details for trusted, confidential services like 1-800-RUNAWAY, Safe Place, Love is Respect, the NAMI Teen Helpline, and the 988 Crisis Lifeline—all available 24/7 to provide support, shelter referrals, emotional help, and safety planning.
We encourage youth groups, schools, shelters, libraries, and community centers to print and distribute this flyer to at-risk teens. It can be handed out during outreach events, included in care packages or welcome folders, or displayed in high-traffic areas like bathrooms, common rooms, and teen lounges. A single flyer could connect someone in crisis to the help they need—and even save a life.
According to the National Runaway Safeline, 1 in 7 kids between the ages 10 and 18 will run away at some point. Here’s what to do if your child has run away from home.
If your child is missing, take a deep breath—you are not alone. We know how overwhelming and terrifying this moment is, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Missing in America Network was built by families and advocates who understand what you're going through. We will walk beside you—helping you take immediate action, create and share a professional missing person flyer, activate community outreach, and launch a powerful awareness campaign across social media and billboards. There is hope, and there is help. Together, we will do everything we can to bring your child home.
Follow the links below to navigate our resources.
When a child goes missing, every second counts—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we created this First Steps Checklist to guide you through the critical actions to take immediately. This list is just the beginning of the journey to bring your child home. It’s designed to help you stay focused, informed, and proactive during the most difficult moments.
From contacting law enforcement and gathering vital information to activating your community and protecting digital clues, each step has been carefully crafted based on real experience from families and advocates like you.
Please remember: this checklist is a starting point, not a substitute for law enforcement guidance. Always follow the direction of your investigating officers and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support. You are not alone—we stand with you every step of the way.
When a loved one goes missing, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. That’s why we assign you a dedicated Advocacy Case Manager who will walk alongside you every step of the way. Your advocate provides emotional support, helps coordinate search and outreach efforts, and acts as your consistent point of contact. They can also assist with navigating complex systems—from filing a missing person report and requesting public records to connecting with attorneys for custody, guardianship, or trafficking-related concerns. Additionally, we offer referrals to trauma-informed counselors and mental health resources to help your family cope with the emotional toll. You don’t have to face this alone—we are here to guide you through both the practical and emotional challenges of your search.
We help manage social media activity to increase awareness and reach a wider audience quickly. Our team can create and manage a dedicated page or group to share updates, clues, and leads with the public and law enforcement. We do this safely and strategically to protect your family from online scammers seeking money for false information, as well as content creators looking to sensationalize your loved one’s story for views and attention. Our goal is to amplify your missing person’s case with dignity, accuracy, and care—while shielding your family from unnecessary harm and distraction.
We professionally design custom flyers, posters, yard signs, billboards, and digital graphics to promote your missing person campaign. We will provide an initial set of printed materials and work to secure additional support through community partners who may be able to donate printing or display services. Our goal is to get your loved one’s face and story in front of as many eyes as possible—quickly, clearly, and compassionately.
We provide a toll-free, anonymous TIP LINE for the public to report sightings, information, or concerns related to your missing loved one. Many people are hesitant to contact law enforcement directly—whether due to fear, distrust, or uncertainty about what they’ve seen—but they are often willing to leave a tip if they can do so anonymously and without pressure. Our TIP LINE bridges that gap, allowing critical information to be shared quickly and safely.
Every credible tip we receive is immediately shared with both law enforcement and the family. This service also helps protect your privacy by reducing the need to share your personal phone number publicly, and it acts as a barrier against scammers who may try to exploit your situation by offering false leads in exchange for money.
When a loved one goes missing, time and visibility are critical. That’s why we organize and lead local search efforts, flyer distribution events, and awareness campaigns tailored to your community. Our team helps map out search areas, gather and train volunteers, and work in collaboration with law enforcement when appropriate. Whether it’s canvassing neighborhoods, hanging posters at key locations, or organizing search parties, we bring structure, strategy, and safety to the process.
We also plan and host awareness events such as prayer vigils, community rallies, and press conferences to keep your loved one’s case in the public eye. These events not only spread the word—they unite neighbors, businesses, and media outlets in collective action. By showing up physically and vocally, we make it clear: your missing loved one matters, and this community is paying attention.
We partner with generous community organizations and sponsors to launch billboard campaigns that elevate public awareness of your missing loved one. These high-visibility digital or printed billboards are strategically placed in high-traffic areas to ensure thousands of people see your loved one’s face and vital information every day. Billboards not only alert the public—they keep your loved one’s case active in the eyes of the community and media. They can trigger memory, generate new leads, and often reach individuals who may not be active on social media or watching the news. We work hard to secure donated billboard space whenever possible, and we coordinate the design and messaging to ensure it is impactful, accurate, and respectful. A single billboard can make a powerful difference—and we’re committed to using every available resource to help bring your loved one home.
When a loved one goes missing, there are critical places to check—but making those calls can be emotionally exhausting and overwhelming. That’s where we step in. We can lead a team of trained volunteers to systematically contact jails, hospitals, shelters, detox centers, and medical examiners on your behalf. These outreach calls are made with care, professionalism, and persistence—always with the goal of finding your loved one as quickly and safely as possible.
This service allows you to focus on your family and well-being while still knowing that every possible lead is being pursued. Our volunteers are trained to ask the right questions, provide case details, and document responses to ensure information is tracked and shared with both the family and law enforcement. In cases where someone matching your loved one’s description is located, we act quickly to verify and relay the information.
Dealing with the media can be overwhelming during the trauma of a missing loved one. Interviews, press inquiries, and constant calls for updates can add pressure when your energy is already stretched thin. That’s why we offer to act as your family spokesperson, giving interviews, issuing statements, and managing press outreach on your behalf.
Our team ensures your loved one’s story is shared accurately, respectfully, and with compassion. We work closely with you to understand what you want said—and what you don’t. Whether it's a TV interview, press conference, or written media statement, we represent your voice and advocate for your loved one with clarity and care.
By managing media attention for you, we help reduce your emotional burden and ensure that your case gets attention for the right reasons, not for sensationalism or speculation. We also help prepare families who do choose to speak publicly by offering guidance, talking points, and emotional support before and after interviews.
Your message matters—and we’re here to help deliver it with dignity and impact.
In today’s connected world, a person’s online activity can offer crucial clues that help locate them or understand what may have led to their disappearance. We provide thoughtful, trauma-informed support in reviewing digital platforms—such as social media accounts, messaging apps, email activity, GPS-enabled services, and content-sharing platforms—to uncover any leads that may assist law enforcement in their investigation.
Our team works in close cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that any findings are handled ethically and within legal boundaries. We never act as investigators, but we help families organize and review digital information in a way that’s useful and respectful. This may include identifying patterns, noting concerning messages or online contacts, or pointing out recent app activity that might suggest location or intent.
When a loved one goes missing, daily tasks like cooking and eating often fall to the side as families pour all their energy into searching, coordinating with law enforcement, and managing overwhelming emotions. We understand that in the midst of crisis, even basic needs can feel impossible to manage.
That’s why we offer meal assistance through our network of compassionate volunteer advocates. If your family is taking time off work, overwhelmed by the demands of the search, or simply in need of support, we can coordinate the delivery of hot, home-cooked meals right to your doorstep. These meals are prepared with love and care—so you can take one thing off your plate while we help you fight for answers.
More than just food, this service is about nourishment, dignity, and community. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone—that people care, and are standing by to help however they can.
Navigating the legal system during a missing person crisis can be confusing, intimidating, and emotionally draining—especially when your focus is on finding your loved one. We’re here to help you make sense of the process and take informed action. While we are not a law firm and cannot offer legal advice, we stand beside you as advocates and guides, helping you understand your rights and available options.
We can assist you with filing a missing person report, requesting public records, and ensuring that your case is properly entered into national databases like NCIC. If your situation involves additional legal complexities—such as custody disputes, guardianship issues, or concerns related to trafficking, exploitation, or foster care involvement—we can help connect you with attorneys, legal aid services, and other trusted resources.
When a loved one is missing, every available resource can make a difference—and K9 search teams are one of the most powerful tools in locating individuals and bringing closure to families. Through our trusted partnership with Dylan’s Legacy, we have access to certified K9 search teams trained in both live scent tracking and human remains detection.
These teams consist of skilled handlers and well-trained dogs who meet rigorous standards in search and rescue operations. When appropriate—and always in coordination with law enforcement—we can help organize and deploy K9 teams to assist in active searches, rural and wilderness recovery efforts, water searches, and high-risk area assessments.
Our K9 partners are not only highly trained, but also compassionate and mission-driven. They understand the emotional sensitivity of these situations and work respectfully and professionally to bring answers to families as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
If you’re interested in any of the services or resources we offer, please fill out our request form so we can begin supporting you right away.
When your child is missing, your entire world turns upside down. The emotional toll is intense and relentless—it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and consumed by fear. You may struggle to eat, sleep, or even remember when you last took a deep breath. It's also common to feel guilt or conflict about how you're showing up for your other children during this time. Please know: you are not failing. You are surviving something unimaginable.
Give yourself permission to lean on others. Let trusted friends or family help with meals, childcare, or simply sitting with you so you’re not alone. Small moments of rest—whether it’s a short walk, stepping outside for fresh air, journaling, or even crying—are not selfish. They’re essential for keeping your strength.
It’s okay to not be okay. You are doing the best you can in an impossible situation. We are here for you—to walk with you, to support you, and to help carry the weight when it feels too heavy. You are not alone in this.
This story-based workbook is designed to help parents and caregivers truly understand what their teen may be feeling and why they might consider running away. Told through the eyes of a runaway teen, it gently guides families into meaningful, judgment-free conversations about the risks, fears, and choices teens face.
Created to be completed together, this is more than just a workbook—it’s a tool for connection. It opens the door for honest dialogue, builds trust, and helps you explore safer options and solutions as a team.
Published by the Arizona Missing Child Task Force, this resource was built with one goal: to help families stay close, even when things get tough.
All links are active in the downloadable version.
“What To Do When Your Missing Teen Is Found – AZ” is a practical, trauma-informed guide created to help families in Arizona navigate the critical moments after a missing teen is safely located. From emotional reunification to next steps with law enforcement, this resource offers compassionate guidance to help you reconnect, rebuild trust, and access the support you need moving forward.
All links are active in the downloadable version.
"A Guide For Parents Considering A Forensic Exam - Arizona.pdf" is a document created by the Missing In America Advocacy Team. The guide helps parents or guardians decide whether to pursue a forensic medical exam for their runaway child or teen who has returned home after being missing or running away.
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Every time you share a missing child’s flyer, you become part of the search. You help amplify their story, widen the reach, and increase the chances that someone, somewhere, will recognize them.