NCJ Number
76898
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Relevant to a wide audience, this probing documentary explores the complex issues involved in the problem of runaways -- mostly aged 12 to 16 -- in following one mother's search for her runaway daughter.
Abstract
The search for Lori Jean Lloyd by her mother illustrates the perilous underworld of the runaway to viewers, including the pimps, drug pushers, and 'chicken-hawks' who exploit young runaways. Lori Jean is one of a million adolescents who run away each year. Most of these adolescents end up destitute and vulnerable. The search for Lori Jean broadens into an exploration of why kids run, where they go, and what can be done to keep them from running. Included are the views of other runaways, police, social workers, school counselors, and crisis center counselors. Children run away because of conflict with parents and other family members and because they are thrown out of their homes by their parents (throw-away kids). Signs of a potential runaway include constant friction between the child and parents, withdrawal of the child from the family, and abuse or neglect. Alternative solutions shown in the film include peer counseling sessions where youth can vent some of the anger and frustration they feel toward their families, a teacher/counselor working with a class of high school students, and an entire community that has banded together to create a runaway prevention program that involves schools, churches, police, parents, and children. The film emphasizes that the main way to prevent runaways is for children to receive much love and attention at home and for parents to maintain open communication with their children. A guide with discussion questions is supplied. (Author abstract modified)