Pathways of Running Away Among Belgian Youth

Abstract

Runaway behaviors among teenagers have been studied for some 40 years. Still, because runaway and homeless youths have often been confounded, little is known about what really defines a runaway adolescent. This study targets three objectives in a mixed-method design relying on data from official files and interviews: the descriptions of teenagers reported as missing (e.g., age, sex, runaway duration and reiteration, place left behind, type of caller reporting the child as missing, motivation for closing the file) and the understanding of runaway pathways and dynamics. These studies can contribute to prevention and intervention programs by providing new perspectives on how runaway experiences should be understood in light of the adolescent process.

Young People in Newfoundland and Labrador: Community Connectedness and Opportunities for Social Inclusion

“…This study adds to the growing scholarship on young people’s social exclusion-inclusion and civic engagement tensions, in both the global North and South. The study bridges the gap between research that draws attention to problem behaviors that make young people the subject of policing instead of freely engaged actors in their communities (Glowacz et al, 2020; Hail-Jares et al, 2021; Murray et al, 2021; O’Grady et al, 2020; Ward et al, 2021), research that highlights how neoliberal governments’ austerity policies expose young people to problematic civic engagements (Francis, 2021; Hart & Henn, 2017; McCormick & Barthelemy, 2021; Ricciardelli et al, 2020; Smith et al, 2021), and research that explores innovative ways in which civil society works with young people to create inclusive spaces (Anosike, 2019; Dolan & Rajak, 2016; Kermode et al, 2021; Korkiamaki & O’Dare, 2021). As other scholars have reported (Schilling et al, 2019; Schuch, 2018; Tuck & Yang, 2011), we find that despite notable challenges, young people in NL find ways to connect to and participate in their communities.…”

“…Research on risk and protective factors for problem behaviors among young people holds that youth is characteristically a time of problematic behavior (C. . This type of literature has explored how some young people run away from home and become street-involved or homeless (Hail-Jares et al, 2021;Glowacz et al, 2020;Karabanow, 2003Karabanow, , 2008K. Kelly & Caputo, 2007;O'Grady et al, 2020;Owen et al, 2020;Thompson et al, 2002).…”

“…Sullivan et al, 2010). This type of literature has explored how some young people run away from home and become street-involved or homeless (Hail-Jares et al, 2021; Glowacz et al, 2020; Karabanow, 2003, 2008; K. Kelly & Caputo, 2007; O’Grady et al, 2020; Owen et al, 2020; Thompson et al, 2002).…”

Youth Risky and Antisocial Behaviors in Newfoundland and Labrador: The Perspectives of Young People

“…K. Childs & Sullivan, 2013;Perren & Hornung, 2005;Sullivan et al, 2010), and are portrayed as suffering from a ''disorganization of their personal and familial lives'' (Kurtz et al, 1991, p. 310). A spectrum of RASB highlighted in existing research includes running away from home and becoming street-involved (Glowacz et al, 2020;Hail-Jares et al, 2021;Karabanow, 2003Karabanow, , 2008; K. Kelly & Caputo, 2007;O'Grady et al, 2020;Owen et al, 2020;Thompson et al, 2002), engaging in unsafe sexual activities (J. M. Francis et al, 2019;Manu et al, 2022;Odimegwu & Ugwu, 2022;Tarkang et al, 2019;Wagenaar et al, 2018;Yazdi-Feyzabadi et al, 2019), alcohol and drug use (J. M. Francis et al, 2019;Lee et al, 2016;Ochoa et al, 2005;Pape & Rossow, 2004;Small et al, 2017;Werb et al, 2008;Yazdi-Feyzabadi et al, 2019), refusing to continue schooling, and engaging in other forms of criminal activity (Beck et al, 2019;Farrington & Welsh, 2006;Goldsmith, 2008;Sadler, 2008;Smith et al, 2021;Sullivan et al, 2010;Ward et al, 2021). Policy makers and professionals are concerned that by these behaviors, youth are a risk to themselves (Gangamma et al, 2008;Heerde et al, 2020;Hughes, 2011;Liljedahl et al, 2010;Munford & Sanders, 2008) and t...…”

“…310). A spectrum of RASB highlighted in existing research includes running away from home and becoming street-involved (Glowacz et al, 2020; Hail-Jares et al, 2021; Karabanow, 2003, 2008; K. Kelly & Caputo, 2007; O’Grady et al, 2020; Owen et al, 2020; Thompson et al, 2002), engaging in unsafe sexual activities (J.…”