15.11.11
Action needed for runaways
Only a small number of young runaways are reported to the police as missing, the charity Children’s Society warns. A new report found that 84,000 under-16s in England run away overnight on at least one occasion every year, but only 17% said they were reported to the police.
Out of these runaways, a quarter were told to leave home by parents or carers, the charity suggests. Runaways are at high risk of harm, and can end up sleeping rough, and begging and stealing to survive.
The Children’s Society also found that runaways are getting younger in age and the risk of sexual exploitation was increasing.
Children’s Society chief executive Bob Reitemeier said: “We are deeply concerned that tens of thousands of children are still running from home or care. Huge numbers are putting themselves in very dangerous situations. One child in this situation is one child too many.
“Some children 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. Everybody has a part to play in making runaways safe.”
A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “Runaways typically face very complex issues. Local authorities are responsible for targeted support for families with complex needs and young people at risk of substance misuse, youth crime and teenage pregnancies – which can be the root causes and consequences of running away.”
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