Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Teenage Runaways

My son is 15 years old and has run away from his fathers place yet again. I would like to find out what happens when a child runs away. I was told by a lawyer, that when the teenager is 16 the police will not do anything about it. Since he's 15 will they do anything? He's not running away because he doesn't want to listen, he's running away because of abuse. Will this make a difference?


Asked on 7/19/08, 11:02 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Teenage Runaways

The police should take action if the person is under 18 years of age, unless they are emancipated. You can request police action by reporting the runaway. They will either return him to one of his parents, or place him in a foster home or juvenile center if there is a reason not to return him to his parents' custody. Since you said there is abuse in his father's care, they likely won't return him there, but will find another place for him, such as a juvenile home, until the matter can be investigated by Child Protective Services.

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Answered on 7/19/08, 5:36 pm

Re: Teenage Runaways

If a child is being abused, immediately report the abuse to Childrens' Protective Services and to the county Sheriff's office.

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Answered on 7/19/08, 8:13 pm


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