A NORTH Ayrshire dad is fearful for his son’s wellbeing after he ran away from school and the children’s unit he is living in.

The dad who we are not naming to protect his identity, spoke of his pain and helplessness surrounding his son’s care.

The boy, who is just 11-years-old, ran out of his school late last month and was only returned after police helped staff to locate him.

His dad told the Herald: “He is vulnerable. He is just 11 and still a primary school pupil. We need help.

“This has been ongoing for around five months and we had our other kids involved but we met all the criteria of social work and now it is just my son involved. If we don’t get him the proper help he needs, I am fearful of the path that he will walk.”

The youngster is currently living in a residential unit and along with three others, walked out on Friday night and did not return until the early hours of the morning, leaving his dad worried that something could have happened.

He added: “He could have detached from the group, he is not responsible but realistically he is calling all the shots. Why doesn’t he want to come home?I don’t know the reason why.

“In fact, I think he has worsened since he has been in the system, they cannot guarantee his safety and I find that absolutely unbelievable.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council, said: “The incident on Monday 27 November was an isolated one. Staff acted professionally and compassionately, liaising with Police Scotland officers, to ensure the safe return of the pupil to school.”

In relation to the incident at the unit, a spokesperson for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Each young person resident in our children’s units has their own care plan which sets out their permission for leaving the unit based on their age and personal circumstances.

“If a young person leaves without permission, staff act quickly and professionally to ensure their safe return.

“This was the case on Friday when a small group of young people left a unit without permission. Staff informed parents, social work and Police Scotland of their absence and the young people returned safe and well on their own accord shortly after.”

Police confirmed that they assisted with both incidents and said: “At 2.12pm on November 27, police were called in respect of an 11-year-old pupil at a school in North Ayrshire. The school required assistance as the pupil had ran off and there were concerns regarding his welfare. Police and staff from the school attended and searched the area where the 11-year-old was eventually found by police at 3.25pm and he was returned to the care of the school.

“About 10.25pm on Friday, December 8, Police Scotland received reports, from a local children’s unit, of four young people (age 11, 14, 14 and 15) having left without permission. Police attended and obtained details before conducting local enquiries to find the young people. About 2.10am on December 9, the young people were traced and returned to the unit safe and well.”

The worried dad added: “I am just trying to do the best for my son. It is unlikely he will be home for Christmas and this is not a good place for us to be.

“Thinking when or if he is going to return has us petrified.”