Im sick of Australias runaway policy’s

[Michelle10004]

So im a single mum with a 13 year old (recently diagnosed ADHD) late last year. He started self-harming, taking attempts on his life and running away. Every single time he runs away, it's always a civilian or myself finding him. The only time the police diligently tried to find him was the first time he ran away (he was not diagnose him at that time.) He is incapable of looking after himself, every time someone found him. He was either hysterically crying, or rocking back in forth. My child is going to put himself in danger one day and it will be to late because the police wont do anything. I am worried sick and have no idea where to go from here.

[Chloe-RO · Accepted solution]

Dear @Michelle10004 ,

It is hard for parent to see their son self-harm, let along run away and not have police to support.

We are hearing how difficult things are. 

Has your son every mentioned why he is running away? Is it to 'get away from things', is it to meet friends, or is it for the feeling he gets from it? 

This is important to know as it may give clues how to support him. Being so young, is his school aware of the situation, and have any supports been put in place?

Finding your son crying and rocking tells us he is not running away for a 'good time'.

As for the ADHD, is he on medication? Perhaps seeing the specialist may and explaining what is happening may help them offer suggestions.

There is a lot you are sitting with right now. We look forward to hearing how things go.

Please take care.

[Chloe-RO · Accepted solution]

Dear @Michelle10004 ,

It is hard for parent to see their son self-harm, let along run away and not have police to support.

We are hearing how difficult things are. 

Has your son every mentioned why he is running away? Is it to 'get away from things', is it to meet friends, or is it for the feeling he gets from it? 

This is important to know as it may give clues how to support him. Being so young, is his school aware of the situation, and have any supports been put in place?

Finding your son crying and rocking tells us he is not running away for a 'good time'.

As for the ADHD, is he on medication? Perhaps seeing the specialist may and explaining what is happening may help them offer suggestions.

There is a lot you are sitting with right now. We look forward to hearing how things go.

Please take care.