Juveniles run away because of family problems, normal adolescent development, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Most runaways are gone only a few days, and all but a small percentage return home within 6 months. Runaways who are gone longer generally feel they have no home to which to return, and they gravitate toward the 'street' life of a large city. Some may use the growing number of runaway shelters. The law in most States prevents incarceration for running away, but juvenile courts may exercise jurisdiction over runaways. Unless a child is very young, however, missing and runaway children do not have high priority with police departments. Warning signs that a youth may be considering running away from home are growing isolation, frequent temper explosions, mood swings, rule violations, excessive sleeping, school problems, a family crisis, and unexplained money or possessions. Parents who believe their children have run away should file a missing persons report, contact their child's friends, call area runaway shelters, and contact runaway hotlines. After a runaway returns home, parents should not be judgmental but rather show concern and a commitment to work with the child in resolving the problems that occasioned the running away. The most important factors in preventing a child from running away are a strong marital bond and a healthy relationship between parents and adolescent children. 8 sources of help and 9 listings of helpful publications.