NCJ Number
113042
Date Published
1986
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This study examined the causes and behavioral patterns of the juvenile runaway and street population based on interviews with 178 Alaskan juveniles and/or their parents.
Abstract
The most significant predictors of adolescent running away included troubled and disrupted family relations, dropping out of school, and high levels of physical and sexual abuse. In 1984, 742 runaways were reported by their families to the Anchorage Police Department. The number of all cases is estimated to be as high as 1,500 during any single month. Runaways and throwaways are likely to suffer from psychological disorders, health problems, and substance abuse. Many are sexually exploited or become involved in adult-led crime rings. An examination of data for 351 adult inmates, indicates that the majority had left home before age 15, had severe family and school delinquency problems, had used drugs and alcohol as teenagers, and had committed criminal acts while minors. A comparison of the lifestyles of these inmates and of current runaways and throwaways substantiates a direct cause and effect correlation between the two populations. Neglectful parents, substance abuse, poor education, sexual exploitation, and antisocial behavior often are common life experiences that lead to juvenile delinquency, violence, and adult criminal activity. Recommendations are made for legislative, parental, law enforcement, school, and community responses to this problem. Additional data are appended. Tables, figures, and 30 references.