Local RCMP address repeat missing youth reports

Dec 13, 2017 | 6:42 AM

The same youth are going missing on multiple occasions in Grande Prairie lately, but RCMP Superintendent Don McKenna says they will take every case seriously.

“Police will take it seriously each and every time, because we have to. Because if we don’t take it seriously that one time, that could be the time when something terrible happens,” he said.

McKenna says there are a number of reasons youth could stray from their place of residence.

“Some kids don’t have parents or are in different situations due to family discord. Some kids have had a rough go,” he said.

“They’re not always in the best positions to make decisions for themselves.”

He said youth often don’t realize how their actions may affect their welfare.

“One very dangerous thing for youth to do is couch-surf. Especially in places where they’re at risk for being hurt or assaulted, or also if they engage in high-risk lifestyles,” he said.

“When we find out young people have gone missing, walked away from whatever kind of residence that they have, we make every effort to try and find them. And part of that is letting everyone know that we are looking for them.”

Police say there are numerous mental health and housing supports for youth who need it.

by Jordan Parker