For immediate release
The Missing Children’s Network Launches Runaway Prevention Campaign to Protect Youth in Quebec
Montreal, November 1, 2024 – In recognition of Runaway Prevention Month, the Missing Children’s Network is launching an awareness campaign to inform the public about the dangers associated with runaway situations. Each year, thousands of youth leave home, and this campaign aims to prevent these high-risk situations through educational resources and tangible actions.
A Concerning Trend: Runaway Statistics in Quebec
In Quebec, over 5,000 youth run away each year. These incidents are often connected to family conflicts, social pressures, or mental health challenges.
Resources to Support Families and Professionals
As part of this campaign, the Missing Children’s Network offers several free resources, including a practical guide on runaway prevention for parents and professionals. This guide provides advice on recognizing warning signs in youth and strategies to de-escalate crisis situations.
Families can download the guide here: https://www.reseauenfantsretour.ong/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/RER-Teen-Runaway-Guide-FR-WEB-Final.pdf
Additionally, a series of in-depth blog articles is available on the Network’s website, covering topics such as:
- Why Youth Run Away: Understanding Causes and Preventing Risks
- Runaway and Adolescence: How to Identify Warning Signs
- What to Do if Your Child Runs Away: Key Steps to Respond Quickly
- Creating an Open Dialogue with Youth to Prevent Runaway Situations
All articles can be viewed here: https://www.reseauenfantsretour.ong/blogue/
A Call for Community Engagement
“It is crucial for the public to understand the risks associated with running away. This campaign is an opportunity to mobilize the community and to emphasize that prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” stated Mélanie Aubut, Executive Director of the Missing Children’s Network.
The Missing Children’s Network encourages families, educators, and media to widely share these resources and to take part in this initiative to protect Quebec’s youth.
About the Missing Children’s Network
Since its founding in 1985, the Missing Children’s Network has been dedicated to searching for missing children and preventing disappearances, particularly runaways. Through awareness initiatives and strong partnerships with law enforcement, schools, and the community, the organization has helped locate hundreds of children and has educated thousands of youth on the dangers of running away and exploitation.
To learn more about our actions and access our resources, visit our website: https://www.missingchildrensnetwork.ngo/
For more information on runaway statistics in Canada, please consult the Royal Canadian Mounted Police report: https://canadasmissing.ca/pubs/2024/runaways-fugueurs-fra.htm
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Julia Lécuyer
communications@reseauenfantsretour.ong
Missing Children’s Network
950 Beaumont Avenue, Suite 103
Montreal, Quebec H3N 1V5
Phone: 514 843-4968 Ext 224