NCJ Number
86615
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 39-45
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report identifies prominent features of the National Runaway Youth Program, presents findings of an independent evaluation of the program, provides a demographic profile of runaways, and suggests future directions for the program.
Abstract
In addition to funding shelter facilities for runaways, the Runaway Youth Act provides funds for counseling and aftercare, technical assistance to grantees, the conduct of a National Statistical Survey of Runaway Youth, and an annual report to Congress on the status and accomplishments of the shelters. Since the first 66 runaway houses were funded in 1975, the program has grown to 160 programs funded in 48 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. A new, 4-year funding cycle was implemented in 1981 under the reauthorized legislation, and the demand for grant funds was expected to be higher than the previous appropriation of $11 million. Data reveal that the types of youth who received services were diversified in age, sex, ethnicity, school status, family problems, and related case characteristics. The independent evaluation of the program found that the goals of the act have been achieved, that a diversified client population is being served, and that the program is achieving substantial positive client impact. Not only has the number of youth handled by the police been substantially reduced in some communities, but the number of these youth who appear in court has decreased. Goals established for the program by the Youth Development Bureau in its future planning are listed. Eight notes are provided.