| Children who run away from home face great | | | | place to sleep. Children may turn to crime in order to |
| difficulties and dangers. Most run away due to | | | | meet their basic needs, and end up in risky situations |
| problems with their parents and/or families. For | | | | which lead to taking drugs or alcohol or doing things |
| example, violence in the family, arguing, separation or | | | | against their will. These will make them feel even |
| divorce. It is usually the hurt and anger resulting from | | | | more isolated and depressed. |
| experiencing these difficulties what pushes children to | | | | There are many things children can do when they are |
| run away from home. | | | | thinking of running away. Children should not be afraid |
| There are many other reasons for children to run | | | | of expressing how they feel and why. This will often |
| away. Some of these include, being bullied at school, | | | | enable children to look for appropriate ways of |
| being ashamed of something that they have done | | | | solving their problems and often deal with emotions |
| and afraid of their parents’ reaction, peer | | | | such as anger and frustration which may contribute |
| pressure or simply due to not wanting to follow rules | | | | towards making the decision to run away. It is |
| or being disciplined. | | | | important that they approach a trusted adult, such as |
| Many children face difficulties at home and school and | | | | one of their parents, a teacher, relative or a family |
| may think that the easiest way to deal with them is | | | | friend. It may also be possible to gain support by |
| by running away in the hope that their problems will | | | | approaching a friend’s parent who may also be |
| just go away, however, children are often faced with | | | | able to support and guide them in the right direction. |
| other problems such as not having money or a safe | | | | |