NCJ Number
94883
Editor(s)
J S Gordon,
M Beyer
Date Published
1981
Length
201 pages
Annotation
The volume of essays offers an overview of runaways and runaway centers and specific short-term and long-term services created to help them.
Abstract
An introductory chapter presents an historical perspective on running away and runaway centers as well as a conceptualization of running away as an opportunity and a lever for change, rather than a demonstration of psychopathology. Subsequent sections discuss innovative mental health services, peer counseling, long-term care, prevention, staff training, relationships to mental health facilities, and accreditation and licensure. A final chapter discusses the runaway center as a community mental health center. Several authors consider the risks and advantages of conceptualizing runaway centers as mental health centers and of defining themselves as mental health professionals.