runaway kid

Runaway Youth Helped Using 10-Question Tool

By |

Experts estimate about 2 million kids run away from home each year putting them at greater risk of physical or sexual abuse, homelessness, drug addiction and physical and mental health problems. Many are in need of medical care or other services. To ensure runaways get the help they need, police in St. Paul, Minn. who encounter runaways are using a short, 10-question screening tool to assess the runaway’s safety and whether they have been victimized while they’ve been away from home. Medical professionals and researchers in Minnesota developed the 10-Question Tool with assistance from local police.

Running Away From Home is Risky Business

By |

The police were knocking on our door one night last week. They were looking for a neighbor’s 12-year-old son. It wasn’t the first time. A few weeks ago, after an argument with his father’s girlfriend, he ran away for eight hours.  My teenage son found him wandering on the other side of the neighborhood. He said he’d spent the day under a highway bridge.

“Runaway” Bill Voted Out of Subcommittee

By |

The Runaway Youth Safety Act has passed out of subcommittee amid a continuing debate about the role of shelters and other facilities and how soon they must notify authorities they have given shelter to juveniles.  The Judiciary/Non-Civil Committee must pass the bill, HB 185, before it moves to the House for a full vote.  A hearing by the committee is likely later this week. Keep checking with JJIE.org for any changes.