NCJ Number
15331
Date Published
1973
Length
251 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHORS USE A DOZEN DETAILED NARRATIVE CASE STUDIES TO DESCRIBE CONFLICTS THAT LEAD TO AN ADOLESCENT'S LEAVING HOME, THE KIND OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RUNAWAYS AND THEIR PARENTS AND THE DIFFICULTIES OF RETURNING HOME.
Abstract
ACCOUNTS OF THE EXPERIENCE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE AWAY FROM HOME - ON THE STREETS, IN RUNAWAY HOUSES (SUCH AS THE ONE AT WHICH THE AUTHORS WORKED), AND IN JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS - ARE ALSO INCLUDED. SEVERAL VERSIONS OF THE SAME INCIDENT ARE PRESENTED IN ORDER TO ILLUSTRATE THE WAYS DIFFERENT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AN EVENT AND THEIR CONTRASTING PERCEPTIONS. THIS BOOK ALSO EXAMINES THE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS (FAMILY, SCHOOLS, THE LAW) WHICH HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF RUNAWAYS, AND THE ALTERNATIVES OPEN TO KIDS WHO LEAVE HOME. THE AUTHORS' PREMISE IS THAT YOUNG PEOPLE RUN AWAY FROM SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTS (FAMILY CRISES) IN WHICH THEY ARE IN DIFFICULT POSITIONS.