This report contains an extensive literature review on runaway youth consisting of materials published from 1980 through the present. Other sections summarize research conducted by the RRRP on programs that serve homeless and runaway youth. The literature review presents an historical overview of runaways in America and discusses research findings on runaway youth, a profile of the runaway population, causes and consequences of running away, substance abuse among runaways, and services for runaways. The section of the report describing programs for runaways is based on interviews with over 40 academic experts and practitioners, an in-depth survey of 43 programs, and site visits to six communities where exemplary programs are in place. The results of the survey are presented in terms of clientele, services, and operational features. Eleven programs are described in further detail because they offer models for the development and improvement of services to runaways and represent a wide range of program structures, target populations, and communities. 6 appendixes