In the event a teenager is missing, or has potentially runaway, remain calm and consider all potential places where he/she may be, or have been. If you are certain a teen is missing due to abduction or other circumstances, contact local law enforcement. Make sure the person responding to your call receives the teen's personal information (name, age, and your contact information) and an accurate physical description, including all articles of clothing present at time of disappearance. Be sure that local law enforcement follows federal guidelines by including your child's information into the National Crime Information Center Missing Persons File, also known as NCIC.

Be sure to alert law enforcement to all information related to an existing Amber Alert account. This resource has proven to save valuable time for the safe return of a missing or abducted person. Resources such as 1-800-RUN-AWAY are available to you and should be utilized as they may assist in the locating of necessary local and national resources for assistance in your search.

If the teen's whereabouts are uncertain, or the potential for a runaway situation exists, calmly seek out signs such as missing clothes, luggage or personal effects. Calmly contact all persons with whom the teen may have, or had, contact. These include: known friends and acquaintances of all associations (neighborhood, school, church, work, internet, etc.), teachers, coaches, and school administration or mental health professionals.

Always remember to remain calm. Especially if the teen contacts home, a friend or relative, remain calm and express your love for them, and a desire for their safe return.