NCJ Number
114652
Date Published
1988
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Based on two major Australian studies and other work done in Australia and other countries, this chapter presents the characteristics of and a typology of runaway children as the basis for discussing their behaviors and prevention methods.
Abstract
One Australian study, conducted in 1982 by Robyn Lincoln and Paul Wilson, surveyed 120 juveniles in Queensland and Western Australia contacted through service agencies that serve runaways. The survey solicited information on the juveniles' behaviors and experiences. The second study, performed in 1985 by the same researchers as the first study, involved detailed case studies of 36 'street kids.' Between one-third and one-half of runaways admitted to committing crimes to survive on the streets. Heroin addiction was common as was the use of other drugs. Male and female prostitution were other survival behaviors. Many were involved in violence, either committed by them or against them. Suicidal behavior was generally a culmination of the other destructive behaviors identified. The typologies of runaways were those bored with their home life, those unable to endure major family problems, absconders from juvenile institutions, and those who ran away from home as a solution to an immediate personal crisis. Improved services and economic options for runaways are suggested by the findings.