Approximately 7 in 10 missing children reports are classified as runaways. Now is the time to work together to prevent youth from feeling that running away is their only choice.

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National Runaway Prevention Month

Observed throughout November

National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) is recognized throughout November as a way to bring attention to the experiences and risks that runaway and at-risk youth face. 

The month-long campaign, spearheaded by The Missing Children Society of Canada, looks beyond the fact that a youth has left, and works to help people better understand why they may feel leaving is their only option. It's designed to create an opportunity to listen, increase awareness of the challenges youth face, describe how to recognize the warning signs and ensure youth and families know where they can turn for help.

NPRM also recognizes that preventing youth from running away is not the responsibility of one person or organization. Families, trusted adults, schools, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations and communities, all have a role to play in creating stronger connections and making support easier to access. 

At the Missing Children Society of Canada, we believe prevention starts with listening. 

When youth feel heard, know they have options and have access to safe people and resources, we all have an opportunity to help before they become missing. 

 

 

The Reality of Youth Runaways in Canada

34, 189

missing children reported in 2025.

24, 050

of those reports were classified as runaways.

78%

of missing children reported in 2025 were between the ages of 14 and 17.

 

We know that when a child is missing from a safe environment and from their safe supports, the danger of exposure to high-risk activities such as substance misuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and even the risk of death increases. 

 

Source: RCMP National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains, 2025

Behind every statistic is a youth with an individual experience, circumstance and reason for leaving. There is rarely one simple reason why someone runs away. Understanding the factors that may lead a youth to leave and knowing how to recognize when a youth may be struggling creates opportunities for prevention, connection and support.

Why Youth May Run Away

Family conflict | Abuse or neglect | Mental health challenges | Bullying | Identity or belonging | Relationship conflict | Housing instability | Substance use | Feeling unheard or unsupported

 

Running away is often a response to circumstances a youth feels unable to manage or escape in another way. Understanding what may be happening beneath the surface can help adults respond with support rather than judgement.

 

Learn the warning signs

 

Find Help & Support

Youth Support Map: Find shelters, soup kitchens, teen health and safe spaces across Canada. View the map below or at www.mcsc.ca/map 

 

 

 

Canada Goes Green For Youth on Go Green Day, November 4, 2026

On November 4, 2026 and throughout the month of November, landmarks across Canada are lighting up green in recognition of National Runaway Prevention Month.

This interactive map highlights the buildings, landmarks, and monuments across the country that are lighting up green to shine a light on the issue of youth running away and to remind every young person that they are not alone.

Each green light represents a community taking a stand. It’s a simple, powerful way to stand together and say, “You’re not alone."

💡 View the map to see who’s lighting up in solidarity this month.

 

 

Statistics & Research:

In May 2024, the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) released a report, Exploring the Phenomenon of Reported Runaways in Canada 2015-2021 available through the Canada’s Missing website. It emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and putting effort into prevention. Read the report here: Exploring the Phenomenon of Reported Runaways in Canada 2015-2021 - National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains

 

 

📣 How You Can Help

  • Wear Green or Light Up Your Space on November 4 to show support. Send us pictures to lmantle@mcsc.ca or tag us on social media
  • Learn & Educate: Educate yourself on warning signs, and how to listen and respond when a youth needs help. Share resources with your friends and family so they can be aware also.
  • Volunteer: Volunteer your time with a youth shelter, crisis line, or mentoring program.
  • Get Rescu Ready: by registering your phone number for alerts and encouraging others to do the same. Register here.
  • Donate: Donate to organizations providing youth services, safe housing, meals, mental health supports etc. 
  • Be a Safe Adult: Commit to being a trusted person in a young person's life.  Sometimes, the simplest act is the most powerful, being there. 
  • Partner With Us: If your organization supports youth, families, or vulnerable communities, join us as an NRPM partner. We’ll feature your work and share your support across our platforms to strengthen awareness and connect more young people to help.
  • Share National Runaway Prevention Month posts from MCSC throughout November
    • Facebook: @MissingChildrenSocietyofCanada
    • Instagram:@missingchildrensocietyofcanada
    • X: @MCSCanada
    • LinkedIn: @MissingChildrenSocietyOfCanada

 

📬 Contact & Media Inquiries

Email: info@mcsc.ca  |  Phone: 1-800-661-6160  |  Website: www.mcsc.ca