Views the designation of "runaway" as a social process, with the concept of "career" being central to this effort by allowing for an identification of where in overall process young persons see themselves. Becoming a runaway is conceived as process of action and reaction, as the end product of a person's actions, reason, and symbols. (Author/NB)

Categorized 43 homeless adolescents as being either runaways, throwaways, or societal rejects. Descriptive data support view that social control and psychopathology perspectives provide promise for understanding differing types of runaway adolescents. Sex differences between runaway and throwaway youths were observed; few sex x type of homeless…

Explores stress and depression levels in Canadian street youth and ways in which they cope. Results show that street youth (n=27) reported more stress and depression than non-runaways (n=27). Street youth were more likely to engage in acts of self-harm and to use drugs and alcohol, while non-runaways used more productive problem solving and…

Runaway behavior is presented from the point of view of 26 teenagers in a rural New England shelter. Reasons for running include seeking freedom from abusive treatment, and a search for connection. Running was found to be a "last resort" behavior. Many youths expressed the desire for reconciliation. (Author/EMK)

Characterizes subcultural differences within an inner-city street youth population. Used brief, structured interviews (N=752), targeting youth living on the streets for two or more consecutive months. Results demonstrate unique patterns with respect to places stayed/slept, means of financial support, and use of available services according to peer…

Compared 52 homeless male and female runaways and throwaways for social adjustment and symptomatology. Found that male runaways were significantly more hostile than male throwaways and significantly more socially isolated than female runaways. Female throwaways were significantly more hostile than male throwaways and female runaways. Homeless…

Attempts to identify the psychological characteristics that predispose certain children to run away and to survive, often for long periods, on the streets of South Africa. Examines vulnerability and resilience as well as social conditions that mediate the psychological predisposition to become a street child. (Author/GCP)

Findings from interviews of street children in Pretoria, South Africa, are presented, discussed, and compared with past research. Indicates the average age of South African street children is 13 years. Most are males of African origin; have been on the streets three years or longer; and cited family violence, parental alcoholism, abuse, and…

Research has shown that no treatment program designed for street children can succeed unless the community is prepared to respect, protect, and provide opportunities for them. Investigates why the general public, and those charged with enforcing the law, often treat street children with scorn and hostility. (Author/GCP)

The police, court officials, social workers, and the public in general perceive street children negatively: their behavior is deemed deviant. This paper examines the concept of deviance as a label placed on the powerless by those in positions of power. (Author)