NCJ Number
87919
Date Published
1982
Length
28 pages
Annotation
The outlined programs for runaway youth in transportation centers identify the problems and needs of such youth, provide immediate assistance, and offer referral to long-term services.
Abstract
The estimated one million children who run away from home each year often pass through or end up in transportation centers (bus and train stations), which have become convenient recruiting grounds for pimps who lure runaways into prostitution or persons who offer room and board in exchange for sexual favors. While runaways come from all kinds of homes and all ethnic groups and run away for a variety of reasons, broad characteristics of runaways have been identified. They are 14-16 years old; about 53 percent are boys. Family conflict and low self-esteem because of negative labeling in the school, community, and family are the most common reasons for running away. Given the variety of reasons for running away and the many different types of runaways, a range of approaches is needed to help them. Program development should begin with interviewing transportation facility personnel, youth service personnel, runaways themselves, and persons who work within the area of the transportation center. The programs outlined illustrative passive approaches, as with the Greyhound, Inc. program, 'Don't Rely on Strangers;' moderate intervention, as typified by the Travelers Aid program in Los Angeles; and an active response to runaways, as with the New York Port Authority Youth Services Unit. The fourth program depicted, Bridge, Inc., uses a variety of techniques and contacts runaways in areas in addition to transportation centers. A directory of organizations familiar with the problems of and programs for runaways in and around transportation centers is included.