Alex's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.  

Thanks so much for trusting us with your thoughts and sharing what is going on for you. This can be difficult, but it is a big step forward in accessing the help that you need at this time.    

You stated that you are a missing child and that you have been missing for a while. You also mentioned your plan has backfired because of the person you ran away with, and that life is getting very hard and scary. We are sorry to hear all that is going on for you as it sounds like things have been very tough in the last while. We believe every young person has a right to be safe, to live in a home and to be happy, and we would be very concerned to hear that you might not be getting the necessities of life needed for survival. 

You also mentioned that you are not considering going home or reaching out to the gardai as you do not trust anyone. While it is understandable that you might feel that way, do you think the adults in your life would like to know where you are or would be concerned for your safety and would be happy to welcome you back if you were to go home? Is there anyone else such as a grandparent, aunt or pastor you could speak to that you trust? In relation to the gardai, it is their responsibility to look after every young person in Ireland. Did something happened previously that led to you mistrusting them? 

If you are feeling unsafe where you are, you have the right to call the emergency services at 999 or 112. These calls are free and can be made from any mobile or landline. Also, you have the right to get in touch with Túlsa, the Child and Family Agency in Ireland. The social workers within Túlsa are there for young people under the age of 18 years old, and their job is to make sure that children and young people are cared for and safe. You can find your local Tulsa office here: www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices/if you would like to get in touch with them or get information about their services. The ISPCC Childline website has some information and articles you may find helpful too: www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/;  www.childline.ie/home-and-families/.    

Childline is here for you, and we would love to chat to you more about what is going on. You can reach out to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our services are free and confidential. You can contact the Missing Children’s Hotline Service on 116000. You can talk to us by phone on  1800 66 66 66 , chat to us one-to-one via our webchat on www.childline.ie or by text on 50101. We will not judge anything you say to us or tell you what to do. We will look at what options may be available to you, with you. 

Thank you for getting in touch with your question and please contact us again if there is anything else you would like help with at any stage, no matter how big or small the problem seems.  

Take care,  

Alex