Still running: Young runaways in danger in England and the UK

Today, we release Still Running 3, our latest research report concerning young runaways. This new report (full text, summary) tells sobering tales and illustrates the often-overlooked problems young runaways face in England and the UK.

A child runs from home or care every five minutes. Our new report reveals that a quarter of child runaways have been the victim of a harmful or dangerous experience.

The report also shows that one in five child runaways have begged, stolen or done ‘other things’ to survive. Others are so desperate that they steal, turn to drugs or alcohol or are abused by adults who groom them. Too often they are alone and desperate for help.

One in six, or 18 percent, runaways said they had slept rough, or stayed with someone they had just met. One in nine, or 11 percent, was hurt or harmed on the last occasion they ran away.

The vast majority of young runaways lack support

In Still Running 3 (full text, summary), we address findings that many professionals – teachers, social workers, police and others – are not stepping in and supporting the vast majority of young runaways.

Around two-thirds of children who run away are not ‘visible’ to professionals. Seven in ten runaways were not reported missing to police the last time they ran away.

A child’s family relationships is linked to their tendency to run away

In addition, our research exposes, for the first time, that there is a very strong link between family relationships and running away.

We have shown that arguments and other family conflict play a massive part in a child’s decision to run. Poor quality family relationships and neglectful parenting are making children and young people feel helpless.

Everybody has a part to play in making runaways safe. Never has the need for a national safety net of help for young runaways been greater.

Together, we can protect runaways

While the numbers and findings are staggering, there are things we all can do to improve these young people’s lives – that’s why we launched Make Runaways Safe.

There are things that you can do to help young runaways:

• Get involved in our campaign by signing our petition to help young runaways.
• Take our Facebook quiz to see what you think a young runaway would do.
• Email your MP and urge them to sign on to support EDM 2039, as tabled by Ann Coffey MP.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
• If you are in London today, please join us for a special evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Also, please read Still Running 3 (full text, summary).

By Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society