P.E.I. mothers push for runaway child bill after teens repeatedly leave home
Two mothers on Prince Edward Island are calling for legislative changes to help parents of children who repeatedly run away from home, describing the situation as 'every parent's worst nightmare.' Jena Banks, fighting back tears while scrolling through family photos of her daughter, shared her story with CTV News. The proposed bill aims to provide legal tools for parents and authorities to intervene when minors habitually leave home without permission.
The mothers argue that current laws are insufficient to address the recurring issue, leaving families feeling helpless. They hope the new legislation will offer better support and intervention options, ensuring the safety of vulnerable youth while respecting their rights. The push comes after multiple incidents where the teens left home, causing significant distress and safety concerns.
Advocates believe the bill could include provisions for mandatory counseling, temporary custody arrangements, or other measures to stabilize the situation. The mothers emphasize that their goal is not to punish the children but to protect them and provide necessary resources for families in crisis.
