What causes kids, children, youth, young people, to run away from home?
Answer
It is critical that the number of youth who run away from home not be viewed entirely as an indicator of problem youth behavior, but also as evidence of society's inability to develop adequate supports for youth and families troubled by economic difficulties, alcohol or drug abuse, incest, and violence.
In its Report to the Congress on the Youth Programs of the Family and Youth Services Bureau for Fiscal Year 1999, FYSB reported that young people being served by its grantee programs are fleeing, or being forced out of, homes in which their safety and well-being are at risk because of abuse and neglect and exposure to drug and alcohol abuse.
In addition, at the request of the Congress, FYSB conducted a study in 1992 to examine the link between young people's family circumstances and youth at-risk behavior. The study, entitled Youth with Runaway, Throwaway, and Homeless Experiences . . . Prevalence Drug Use, and Other At-Risk Behaviors, found the following:
There is a strong link between family circumstances, especially familial substance use, and the high-risk behaviors of runaway, throwaway, and homeless young people.
Disruptive family conditions may be the principal reason that young people leave home.
Familial substance abuse co-occurs with youth substance abuse, youth suicide attempts, and other problem behaviors.
More than half of the youth interviewed by the study team during their shelter stays reported that their parents either told them to leave or knew they were leaving and did not care.
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