Runaway and Homeless Youth

Risks to Runaways

Runaways face a myriad of risks to their health, safety, well-being and to their futures.  Risks include, but are not limited to—

• Malnutrition
• Psychological disorders
• HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Unwanted pregnancies
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Robbery
• Rape
• Other physical assault
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress
• Poverty

Studies show that today, the streets are much more violent and it is easier for kids to obtain illicit drugs that are much more potent and include new substances, such as heroin and Ecstasy. Also, prostitution rings have expanded and actively recruit young people on the streets. There is also an association between running away and longer-term involvement in crime. 

Life on the streets is a struggle for survival. According to the National Runaway Switchboard, Runaways may start by panhandling for change, but eventually will most likely turn to illegal means to survive; many will become involved in prostitution, pornography, drugs, stealing, and other crimes. Other kids engage in "survival sex," tacitly exchanging sex for a meal, a place to stay, or protection. Kids who have or develop intravenous drug habits they must feed are the ones deemed most likely to engage in crime or survival sex.