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It is important to understand what a runaway is. According to the Child Welfare League of America, runaways are under the age of 18 and have been away from home for at least one night without the permission of parents, guardians or other custodial authorities. Children that have been told to leave their home or have been deserted by parents or guardians are known as throwaways. Street youth are kids that have managed to live outdoors or in abandoned buildings for an extended period of time. They are often runaways, throwaways or otherwise homeless young people.

To help you understand the difference between runaways and other homeless youth, visit this link:

Child Welfare League of America: Life on the Run, Life on the Streets

To know what to do if your child is planning to run away or has already left:

National Runaway Switchboard: Articles for Parents

To better understand what type of runaway your case is classified as:

Runaway Youths: Categories of Runaways

After finding out your loved one is missing, you will experience a wide range of emotions. To help support you through this difficult time:

Team Hope: What to Do if Your Child is Missing

Runaway Myths

• Most homeless youth are runaways
• Runaways are bad kids that leave home
• Runaways can’t be stopped

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