Runaways in Texas: A Statistical Estimate, 1985.

Public concern for children has become more visible during the last decade as awareness of child abuse and neglect has increased. It is difficult to design policies to deal with troubled youth who run away. Because families of runaways are often looked upon as failures, there is a reluctance among families to report the runaway. Families may not define leaving home without permission as runaway behavior. Statistical estimates of runaways are difficult because of timing of the estimates, survey bias, and political trends. This study attempted to estimate the number of runaways and determine the type of services they and their families receive in Texas. A questionnaire was completed by 1,022 Texas households having children between the ages of 10 and 17. Respondents provided demographic, runaway, and social service information. The results showed that approximately two percent of the households (N=19) reported a runaway incident. Racial percentages of runaways resembled the state's racial composition. The median income of families reporting runaways was higher than the state average, suggesting that the poorest families were not necessarily experiencing the most runaway behavior. The survey did not generate information about the need for new services for runaways and their families. Several types of youth can be classified as runaways. Some children leave home of their own choosing, others are asked to leave by their parents, and others leave to escape abuse or neglect. A general survey on runaways will not reveal these different populations or their respective needs for services. The survey questionnaire and tables of results are included. (ABL)