Runaway youth: An examination of risk factors and gender differences

• In Event: Juvenile Delinquency: Current Assessments of the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency

Abstract

Juveniles who run away from caregivers are a unique group of at-risk youth. Many youth runaways experience trauma during childhood, which propels them on a trajectory of psychological disorder/distress, victimization, and offending. This propensity for negative life trajectories may be exacerbated by repetitive runaway behavior. Utilizing a large sample of runaway youth in the state of Florida, this study aimed to assess risk factors for repetitive runaway behavior, with special focus on familial risk factors and gender differences. Delinquent and non-delinquent youth are also assessed for potential group differences. Relevant findings will be discussed, along with policy implications as they relate to practitioners.

Author

• Michelle Jeanis, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette