Data collected from 149 runaways (15-20 years old) revealed that 38% of the males and 73% of the females reported having been sexually abused. Sexually abused females were significantly more likely than nonabused females to engage in delinquent/criminal activities. (CL)

Explored relationship between sexual abuse and adolescent prostitution by comparing 70 sexually abused children with 35 prostitution-involved children on 22 variables. Findings suggest that relationship is not direct, but involves runaway behavior as intervening variable. Concludes that it is not so much sexual abuse that leads to prostitution, as…

Shelter staff from 8 states completed Client Information Records on 2,019 runaways. Found significant differences in problems reported by physically abused and sexually abused runaways when compared to nonabused runaway peers. Runaways who were both physically and sexually maltreated were significantly more vulnerable and much worse off than those…

What has in the past been called the missing children problem is in reality a set of at least five distinct problems, each of which needs to be researched, analyzed, and treated separately. The problems are family abductions, nonfamily abductions, runaways, thrownaways, and lost, injured, or otherwise missing children. Many of the children in at…

This report describes the activities of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services, and the status and accomplishments of runaway and homeless youth centers funded during fiscal year 1984 under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. The report also examines the status, operations, and…

This report provides the text of and materials related to the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1983 (S.2014), a bill reauthorizing and amending: (1) the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to provide for assistance in locating missing children; and (2) the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Sections of the bill focus on…

This document gives the changes in existing law made by a bill, S.1174, to amend the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as well as the accompanying Senate report on the bill. The purpose of the bill is to make grants to the states representing up to one-half of the cost of establishing or expanding and operating a missing…

Views the designation of "runaway" as a social process, with the concept of "career" being central to this effort by allowing for an identification of where in overall process young persons see themselves. Becoming a runaway is conceived as process of action and reaction, as the end product of a person's actions, reason, and symbols. (Author/NB)

Discusses the problem of youth who run away from home because they are abused or neglected and the role of alternative youth services in dealing with these adolescents. (SS)

Presents results of a study that examined child and family influences on recidivism for 166 youths admitted to a shelter. Results indicated that youth emotional problems were significantly related to recidivism for repeat runaways, whereas family changes and length of stay at the shelter were significantly related to recidivism for first-time…

Examined changes in self-mutilation, aggression, and running away for 32 teenagers in residential treatment who experienced interpersonal loss when staff members left employment. Data from four-year period revealed that frequency of self-mutilation increased significantly during time of anticipated loss. Found no significant change in aggression…

At 27, Sandra McBrayer founded an alternative school, now called "The Place", for homeless 12- to 19- year olds in San Diego. Having received the 1994 Teacher of the Year Award, she discusses her inspirations, motivations, and plans for the future in this interview. (JPS)

Explores the extent of the relationship between onset of sexual experiences and onset of substance use in a sample of runaway youth in Alaska. Initiation of sexual activity preceded the onset of drug-taking, and intercourse prior to age 12 was reported by 40%. Implications for those providing care for this group are explored. (JPS)

Children and youth in homeless situations, particularly unaccompanied youth and survivors of domestic violence, are at a high risk for experiencing violence and victimization. Frequently, unaccompanied youth become homeless after leaving abusive or destructive home environments. In turn, their homelessness, which often involves "couch…

Children and youth in homeless situations, particularly unaccompanied youth and survivors of domestic violence, are at a high risk for experiencing violence and victimization. Frequently, unaccompanied youth become homeless after leaving abusive or destructive home environments. In turn, their homelessness, which often involves "couch…