If there is no real reason, then he could contact Child Protective Services. They will either place him in a shelter, or have a foster family take care of him until he is 18.

As for himself, does he have a job? If not, that would be the first step. He can help himself. Often times being homeless is a choice.

Next time you get in contact with him, discuss what i've mentioned. This would be considered child abuse by his parents... You or him can contact 1-800-96ABUSE (Florida), they will provide you both with all the information you need along with resources to help him.

Posted at 6:04 pm on May 5, 2008

I don't know exactly where you are, and being British doesn't help, but have you looked online for any charities that might be able to support him in his area? Have you run through Google for things like "help the homeless", "shelters", "child shelter", or things like that with the area code or name? I know it's only a first step but I can't believe there aren't organisations out there with a presence on the web to help you find them and who would be able to help him get back on his feet.

Right now that should be your first priority - help him to find a roof over his head and a way to feed, wash and keep warm at night.

I guess you must be very scared right now. You must be petrified of what's going to happen when his cell runs out or whatever. I know you don't want him to be alone. Make sure that he has your contact details NOW. Make sure he has them somewhere safe, that he makes several copies of them, and that he reads them back to you. It sounds highly likely that a point is going to come where you will be out of touch and it's very important that he knows how to get hold of you again afterwards.

If he is homeless is there no way that he could make his way up to you so that you can at least be together? I think it would really help him to have your friendship and support right now and if he could somehow get up to where you are then you could have contact with him and you could look for local organisations to help him together.

SO your first priority should be those life-sustaining practicalities, but your second, I think, should be to try and get him up to you. Having someone who cares and having a second mind working on the problem would make such a difference and you are more likely to be able to sort something out together than on your own.

Apart from that I really don't know what to say. How did this whole situation come about? Has he been to charities or to social services before? Why have they not helped him - being a minor and everything you'd think they would?

Please feel free to submit another request or PM me with more info. I'm sure there is some way you can help him, but if nothing else make sure you get him those contact details like i said and make sure you know his exact last known location.

I really do wish you the best of luck.

Posted at 9:09 am on May 5, 2008