NCJ Number
133337
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 26 Issue: 103 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 543-555
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the problems of maltreated runaway youth used an 85-item Client Information Record for 2,019 runaways as was completed by shelter staff from 8 southeastern States.
Abstract
The study identified the personal, familial, and school problems for which there was a significant abuse effect (physical and sexual). The research design was unbalanced (unequal numbers of physically abused, sexually abused, and nonabused runaways). When analyzing the data, therefore, the main effects of physical and sexual abuse were adjusted. The findings indicate that the youth who were both physically and sexually abused were different in many respects from the other runaways. A larger proportion of these youth encountered a wider range of personal problems and came from multiproblem families. They were significantly more vulnerable and problem-ridden than runaways who only experienced either physical or sexual abuse. Those who experienced only physical or sexual abuse reported more problems and were at greater risk than their nonabused peers. These findings suggest that shelters for runaways must review their policies and procedures to ensure that they maximize efforts toward the early identification of maltreatment. Also, staff should have regular updates on child abuse and neglect laws, indepth training in methods of detection and exploration of the maltreatment history of runaways, and access to a comprehensive listing of local and State treatment resources for maltreated youth. 2 tables and 23 references