Each year over 400,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing [1A]. The vast majority of these are runaways, highly vulnerable to homelessness, sex trafficking, and worse.
Though estimates vary, there may be as many as 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth in the US [2A].
“Half of all runaway minors report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were running away and did not care [3].”
“Runaways” are minors who have left home with the intention not to return. The category includes children abandoned by the adults who should have cared for them, and teens thrown out of the house.
Risk Factors
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, risk factors include the following [1B]:
- Family conflict
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Pregnancy
- Bullying or social rejection
- Sexual orientation
- Online enticement
- Substance abuse
- Gang activity
- Mental health issues
- Developmental issues
Some 47% of runaways report family conflict; 43% report physical abuse in the home; 34% report sexual abuse in the home. Among girls, the rate of sexual abuse rises to 80%. Continue reading
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 