In addition the established reasons for running away – to acting out, or rebelling against authority – runaways are now being regarded as children who are victims of dysfunctional families, our social service institutions (such as foster care), and schools where they encounter multiple problems such as academic failure, social problems, and/or bullying problems. Why Children Runaway (includes):
Family problems number one reason why teenagers run away]
School/peer pressure
Rebellion against parental authority/rules
Rejection (for lifestyle or sexual orientation)
Sexual identity issues/crisis
Alcohol/drug abuse
Sexual abuse / Physical or Emotional abuse
Legal issues including being arrested
Pregnancy
Placement in foster care or other custodial care
Domestic violence in the home
Parents force child to leave the home (these children are referred to as throwaways]
“Runaways have higher rates of depression, physical and sexual abuse, alcohol and drug problems, delinquency, school problems, and difficulties with peers than juveniles who do not run away. Many runaways have been exposed to high levels of violence, either as victims or as witnesses.” Juveniles in foster care, group homes, or other forms of substitute care tend to run away in greater numbers than juveniles who live with a parent/guardian – especially in the first few months of custodial placement.
Facts about runaways:
1/3 of runaways may be lured into prostitution or pornography within 48 hours of being on the street
Majority of runaways may use or try drugs
Majority of kids on the streets steal for survival
Majority of runaways are girls
Majority of teen prostitutes (both boys & girls) were sexually abused
Major reasons of death of runaways:
Assault
Illnesses / Diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases & HIV/AIDS and other illnesses
Suicide
Drug overdose
Homicide
Strong predictors of running away by adolescents:
Family conflict – divorce, separation, spousal abuse, homelessness, economic problems, etc.
Changes in behavior patterns
Child becomes rebellious-fighting; skips school
Physical or sexual abuse
Parental neglect / abuse
Express intentions to run away
Accumulations of possessions or money
In some cases contact with the juvenile justice system
Failing at school; social problems at school
Victim of bullying at school or neighborhood
Parental alcohol abuse or drug abuse
Family moves to new area-child want to go back to old community/friends
Many runaways become involved in criminal activities such as:
Shoplifting
Robbery
Dealing drugs
Prostitution
Pornography
Theft/burglary
Runaways must support themselves and crime will seem to be an easy way to get money. Runaways are also at greater risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as committing suicide. Runaways may lose the support of family and friends when they choose, or are forced to live and survive on the streets.
Police encounter runaways by:
Patrolling areas where they congregate
Investigating a missing person report
Conducting criminal investigations (where juveniles are either the victim or perpetrator):
Truancy
Curfew violation
Pan-handling
Problems relating to transient persons
Disorderly juveniles in public places
Underage drinking
Prostitution
Shoplifting
Drug dealing
Commission of a violent act or assault
While some juveniles plan to runaway some may run away from home on impulse after or during some emotional or physical conflict. They have no plans as to where they will live or how they will survive. They may take no belongings or money to sustain them for any length of time. They may be forced to live on the street from the first day. This situation places runaways at high risk for exploitation by others or becoming victims of crime. Some runaways are not homeless and living on the street – they may stay with a friend or a family member.
Modes of transportation for runaways:
Walking
Stealing the family vehicle
Obtaining a ride with friend(s)
Public transportation (taxis, buses, trains)
Hitchhiking / Hitchhiking with truckers
Upon a child’s return:
Don’t blame the child for running away – don’t cast blame on the child
Try to figure out why the child ran
Listen to the child’s reasoning
Don’t ignore the real reason(s) a child ran away from home
Seek counseling or the appropriate medical care for the child
Prosecute any person, sex offender, or other predator who harmed the child or contributed to the delinquency of the child
Stand by or assist the child who may be facing criminal charges
Open and keep up a clear line of communication with positive feedback with the child (look for things to praise the child for instead of focusing entirely on the negative aspects of the situation].
Set behavioral standards and rules
Try and get the child back in school or help the child obtain a GED if returning to high school is not an option.