NCJ Number
168348
Journal
Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (1997) Pages: 73-86
Date Published
1997
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Case files of 43 habitual runaway and 39 nonrunaway male adolescents were examined to identify variables used to predict runaway behavior upon admission to a residential treatment facility.
Abstract
Both general and specific information was collected from case files that covered the 1989-1993 period. A coding device was used to code case files for the following predictor variables: history of running away, previous drug or alcohol use, history of person or property crimes, number of prior placements, history of physical abuse as victim or perpetrator, history of sexual abuse as victim or perpetrator, history of neglect as victim, current family status (one or both parents), and history of suicidal ideation. Discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between runner and nonrunner groups. Runners were more likely to have a history of running away, a greater number of prior placements, a history of property crime offenses, and a history of physical abuse victimization and perpetration. The findings are discussed within the context of issues involved in treating abuse victims that may help them overcome the need to run away from stressful situations. 22 references and 4 tables