The homeless youth population included males and females, 90 percent of whom were between 12 and 17 years of age; 55 percent of homeless youth were males, while 35 percent of runaways were male. Most homeless youth were white, although black youth represented a disproportionate share of homeless youth. Of the homeless youth 16 years of age or older, 50 percent had either dropped out of school or been expelled or suspended. Only 56 percent of homeless youth and 66 percent of runaways lived with two parents before coming to a shelter. Less than 10 percent of homeless or runaway youth came from families receiving some sort of public assistance. Most homeless youth were at a shelter in the same community or county as their legal residence. Study findings showed that homeless youth represent a diverse group of individuals facing many problems. The shelter network may not be able to meet their needs, and many youth may not be receiving needed services after they leave shelters. Many homeless youth who do not return to their families after leaving a shelter move on to living arrangements that lack stability. Very few homeless youth appear to leave shelters for independent living programs. Appendixes provide additional information on the characteristics and problems of homeless and runaway youth, Federal grants for this population group, and the study methodology. 10 references, 8 tables, 9 figures.