Health
YOUTH
Runaways: Causes, Signs, Prevention and What to Do If They Flee By Kimberly Blaker A staggering one in seven kids between the to escape the addictions of their own parages of 10 and 18 will run away, according ents. Teen pregnancy puts girls at high risk to a report by the National Conference of of running away. Also, lesbian, gay, bisexState Legislatures. More concerning, it’s a ual, and transexual teens often runaway as spur of the moment decision for more than a result of family rejection. Foster kids freseventy percent of runaways, reveals the quently run back to their own families, and National Runaway Safeline. mentally ill youth are at high For that reason, parents often as well. Finally, some kids Your adolescent risk see little, if any, clue their child run away merely because they may also start might go missing. So, be aware don’t like their parents’ rules. of the causes and signs to watch hoarding money, Signs youth might flee for and take preventative meaWarning signs that a kid is planand valuable items ning to flee aren’t always pressures. Also, learn what to do if might disappear ent. Even when there are signs, your child does flee. Runaway causes most of these behaviors can be from the house. Kids run away for numerous attributed to so many causes, reasons. Many suffer from verparents often don’t realize their bal, physical, or sexual abuse. child is considering running Even when the situation isn’t abusive, kids away. But there are some telltale signs. who run away often feel neglected and lack The most obvious is when a teen threatens financial and emotional support at home. to do so. While it may be an attempt to maThey also may experience frequent conflict nipulate in the heat of an argument, threats with their families. should be treated as a serious warning sign. Other kids who run away may have drug Your adolescent may also start hoarding or alcohol addiction problems or are trying money, and valuable items might disappear
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