A KURUNJANG mother is calling for more support for parents whose teenagers run away from home.
Melanie Farrugia told Star her 15-year-old son Ryan left home on 10 June after the pair had an argument and he is yet to return.
The distressed mother described her son as a typical teenager and said she would often argue with him over normal things like being on the computer for too long and not helping with family chores, but she never believed he would leave home.
Over a month on and Melanie said she now has no avenues to have her son returned home and recently filed a missing persons report with Melton Police.
The mother-of-five said she and police know where her son is living and that he is safe but cannot force him to return home.
“It’s like I’m watching a movie … like I’m not part of all of this,” she said.
“I want him back … he has to come home.
“I’m worried he will get caught up in drugs … I’m scared for him.”
Melanie said after contacting the Department of Human Services and various other organisations she was told there was nothing more she could do.
Melanie said despite telling Ryan to leave home on the day of the argument she never thought he would walk out “literally for nothing”.
“There are issues that need to be sorted out, but I want him home because he’s my son,” she said.
Melanie now wants to establish a support group for parents who are facing a similar battle to know what their rights are and to realise they’re not alone.
“I thought I was the only one until I put my story on Facebook, but so many people made comments,” she said.
– Natalie Gallenti
