Teen Runaways

Runaway

Has your daughter run away or threatened to run away?

Statistics

According to the National Runaway Switchboard:

  • between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth runaway each year
  • almost 75% of the runaways are female although some research concludes runaways are approximately 50% male and 50% female
  • female runaways are more likely to seek help
  • the major reason youth cited that they run away is because of an intense conflict/argument at home

According to Hubpages.com:

  • 1 in 7 teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away from home this year
  • Teens leaving home are usually running from something rather than to something

According to a Family and Youth Services Bureau Report about runaway and homeless youth:

  • 35% had used drugs
  • 26% had attempted suicide
  • 33% were assaulted/and or robbed on the street
  • 66% had trouble meeting basic needs
  • 80% had attempted or committed a theft-related activity

There are fluctuations in the statistics but they are still staggering.  Teens that run away are placing themselves in danger.  They make poor choices where to sleep, do not have proper hygiene, do not get enough sleep, may trade sex for food, clothes or a place to sleep.

Why do teens run away?

  • Problems at home
    • Difficulty with parents, step-parents or guardians
    • To avoid consequences
    • Abuse in the home
  • Problems at school
  • Problems with friends
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Oppositional Defiant behavior
  • Fear for possible physical or sexual abuse
  • To escape problems in their life
  • Etc.

The reasons for running away vary and there isn’t one particular reason why nor is there a quick fix to prevent your teen from running away.

Early Warning Signs

What to look for:

  • Attempts to communicate result in arguments, raised voices, interruptions, name calling, hurt feelings and failure to reach an acceptable agreement with your troubled teenager.
  • The teenager has a network of friends who are largely unsupervised, oppositional, defiant, involved with drugs and other antisocial behaviors.
  • An increasing pattern of impulsive, irrational and emotionally abusive behavior by either the parent(s) or the troubled teenager.

Prevention Strategies:
Dr. Michael G.Conner, Psychologist and Engineer, Mentor Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, suggests the following steps to take to reduce the risk of  teen runaways and focusing on supportive communication as part of an overall troubled teen prevention strategy:

  • Keep the conversation flowing and positive – Never dare your teenager to run away because you think they may not
  • Never use sarcasm, name-calling, labeling (brat, immature, selfish, stupid, etc.,)a
  • Never raise your voice or yell – especially when your teenager is raising their voice or yelling.  Stay calm, quiet, make eye contact, and don’t respond if your child is angry, shouting or in a rage. Wait until they are calm.
  • Never interrupt your teenager when they are talking or trying to explain something – even if you disagree. Wait until they are done. Remind yourself that simply listening and telling your teenager that you understand does not mean you will agree when they are finished, nor does it mean you will do what they want.
  • Communicate understanding – Tell your teenager that you understand what they are saying or “I’m not sure I understand, tell me again.”  When you don’t agree and you are certain that you understand your teenager’s point of view (and your troubled teenager believes you understand) tell your teenager. “I think I understand, but I don’t agree with you. I want to think we can understand each other, but we don’t have to agree.
  • Never explain yourself or argue if your teenager expects you to justify the fact that you do not agree, ask “Is there anything else you want to tell me.”
  • You can also agree with your teen, but that does not mean you have to let them do whatever they want.
  • If you get overwhelmed or upset, tell your child “I’m overwhelmed and a little upset. I need a break and a chance to calm down and think about this.” Then tell them you want a 20 minute (or so) break before continuing the conversation. Be sure to take a break.

Integrity House provides a safe, secure and supervised place for your teen daughter.  It is not possible for you to watch your teen 24 hours a day,however, the staff at Integrity House can and does.  We also lock and alarm the doors and windows so everyone remains safe.

Integrity House has qualified mental health professionals that provide individual, group, equine and family therapy to address the issues associated with the reason(s) why the teen ran away in the first place.

Integrity House is here to help.