DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The 14-year-old girl who was missing from Decatur has been found.

The mother of Avyana Mitchell confirmed to Channel 2 Action News on Wednesday night that Mitchell has been found “safe and sound.”

It was earlier reported that her family thought she was in danger.

Mitchell left her house a week ago with no phone or money and she had not been in contact with her parents, friends, or family.

Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, Mitchell’s family was handing out flyers in the hope it may get her home.

Jessica Maddox was desperate to hear something about her 14-year-old daughter Avyana.

“I’m in shambles because as a mom, to be hopeless and not be able to do anything for your child, is the worst feeling in the world,” Maddox said.

Maddox said she was with her father, at his girlfriend’s mother’s house on Rollingwood Lane on March 28. She apparently wandered off without telling anyone.

“This behavior of her running away... this is new. This is not something she does, this is out of character for her,” Maddox said.

The mother said Mitchell’s father took her phone away a few days before her disappearance, upset over what she was doing online.

“He had caught her several times on different sites talking to people, and lying about her age,” Maddox said.

Earlier, Maddox said she was concerned that someone had taken her child.

“My biggest concern is someone has taken my child. I don’t want to think that way,” Maddox said.

Earlier Wednesday, Maddox said the family turned over Mitchell’s phone to police.

“I think the phone is going to be a major key as to where she went,” said Maddox.

After almost nine days, Mitchell has been found safe, according to her mother.

Maddox did not give any other details about her daughter after announcing her safe return.

©2023 Cox Media Group