The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63636

Sanna J. Thompson, PhD¹, Vijayan K. Pillai, PhD², and Stephanie Pulliam, MSW². (1) School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Substance Abuse Research Development Program, 1717 W. 6th St. Suite 240, Austin, TX 78703, (2) school of social work, University of Texas in Arlington, BOX 19129, Arlington, TX TX 19129, 817-272-5353, drpillai@yahoo.com

Runaway/homeless youth are one of the most high-risk adolescent populations. Previous research suggests that if these youth’s problems are not addressed, their high-risk behaviors increase and “hardening” of criminal behavior is likely. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that lead to repeated episodes of runaway behavior, a “hardening” indicator.

To address this gap in this literature, this study identifies (1) demographics, youth problems and family factors among runaway youth, and (2) a multiple regression analysis examines predictors of runaway episodes. Data were collected at runaway shelters in the south and northeast regions of the U.S. from 1999 to 2002; interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 280 runaway youth during the intake process at the shelters.

Results indicated that these youth were mostly female (55.6%), about 16 (means=15.5+1.7) years of age, had run away nearly five times (mean=4.9+11.4), and had been away from home more than five days (mean=5.35+17.9). Youths that had been living primarily with someone other than a parent, used alcohol, had sexual relations while also using alcohol, had truancy problems at school, and felt parents did not love them predicted greater runaway episodes. The model accounted for 26% of the variance in runaway episodes (f=8.47, p=.000).

This study highlights the need to provide services to youth before their disengagement from family and they become involved in extensive high-risk behaviors. Policy decisions require further research of current services and how emergency shelters can be best utilized.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1. Recognize the extensive problems of runaway youth
• 2. List five predictors of runaway episodes among a sample of runaway youth
• 3. Articulate the policy changes needed to treat the unique problems of youth using emergency shelters.

Keywords: Runaways,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.