Adolescent runaways surge in Romania for third consecutive year

Romania is experiencing a growing trend of adolescents fleeing their homes, a phenomenon that has escalated for the third consecutive year. Official data reveals nearly 11,000 reports of missing minors since July 2025, an increase of over 1,000 cases compared to the previous period and approximately 500 more than two years ago.

The majority of these cases, around 60%, involve children and adolescents who have left care centers or social housing facilities. In the remaining 40% of situations, minors have voluntarily left their family homes, or their last known contact was with a family member. A recent example involved a 15-year-old girl from Călărași County who was found at her friend's house after an eight-hour search by police.

Psychologists highlight that adolescents aged 14 to 18 are most vulnerable to running away. Contributing factors include family conflicts, a desire for revenge, peer pressure, or a yearning for freedom. "The first recommendation is open communication based on negotiation. Parental flexibility regarding parenting styles and children's free time is crucial," explained Mihaela Dinu, a psychologist with Save the Children Romania. She added that children often signal their distress through withdrawal, isolation, refusal of previously enjoyed activities, and sudden mood swings.

Compounding the issue, Romanian police face difficulties in immediately locating missing minors, even if they carry a mobile phone, unless there is immediate evidence of life-threatening danger. "There are situations where children disappear in isolated areas with difficult terrain, where their lives are endangered, facing a lack of food and, in some cases, wild animals," stated Octavian Dan, spokesperson for the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police. A proposed legislative amendment, pending in Parliament for nearly five years, aims to expedite the location process for missing children.