When dealing with young individuals and social services, two terms tend to arise: “missing youth” and “runaway youth.” While these terms might seem like two sides of the same coin, they actually refer to distinct situations that require different interventions. Understanding the differences is essential in order to provide the most appropriate support and resources.
Missing Youth: This term generally refers to situations where a young person is reported as missing. In these cases, there is often immediate concern for the youth’s safety and well‐being, with law enforcement and child protective services getting involved to locate the individual quickly. Factors such as potential abduction, exploitation, or harm are typically at the forefront.
Runaway Youth: In contrast, runaway youth are those who leave home voluntarily. Their decision to leave may be driven by family conflicts, abuse, or other personal circumstances. Although these youths may be at risk, the approach to support them usually involves social services, counseling, and other community resources to address underlying issues and to help them safely return to or establish a stable living situation.
By distinguishing between missing and runaway youth, service providers, law enforcement, and community organizations can tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of each situation, ultimately ensuring a more effective and compassionate response.
Written by Ruby’s Place