NCJ Number
101099
Date Published
1986
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the scope and definition of the juvenile runaway problem; identifies links between running away and other juvenile troubles; and discusses diagnostic issues, runaway typologies, and services for runaways.
Abstract
Running away is often linked with other adolescent difficulties, notably personal maladjustment, family conflict, and parental mistreatment. Brennan (1980) has classified runaways in seven types in two broad categories: (1) those not highly delinquent or alienated juveniles who are typed as overcontrolled escapists, middle-class loners, and peer-oriented while being unbonded to parents; and (2) delinquent, alienated runaways (including rejected and peer-oriented individuals; rebellious and constrained middle-class dropout girls; normless, unrestrained youth; and rejected 'push-outs'). These typologies aid decisions on intervention strategies. General service issues in managing runaways include protection (shelter and economic support), assessment of runaway causes and a decision about intervention steps, and placement (family restoration or alternative living arrangements). The use of the peer social network is a particularly valuable resource for helping runaways. A list of names and addresses of runaway programs throughout the country.