Why do today�s youth run away?

Most kids do not run away simply for adventure. They are running from what they feel are unbearable or unsolvable situations. They are running because they just do not know what else to do - but they know they have to do something.

What motivates young people today to run away?

What are the warning signs?

How can I help?

visit our forum on running

download info on running (pdf)

see kids' resources on running

While only about six percent of the kids who leave home stay on the streets or continue to return to the streets, there are still tens of thousands of kids living on the streets each year!

Ask your questions about teens running away in the Nineline Forum.

In most states, a runaway is anyone under 18 who leaves their home (or other residence) for one or more nights without the permission of his or her parents (or legal guardians). A homeless teenager is anyone under 18, who has no home to return to and needs supervision and care. Throwaways or lockouts are kids who have been thrown out by parents or guardians, feel unwelcome at home, or that there is no place for them in the family. When we talk about homeless and runaway youth, we talk about these young people too.