The study analyzed data on the contacts of 491 alleged status offenders with the district courts in 7 counties from January 1, 1981, through June 30, 1982. Statewide data on juvenile petitions were examined; interviews were conducted with district court, school, and social services professionals in four counties; and the national literature was surveyed. The study found that the most frequent initial offense alleged for the 491 juveniles was running away, followed by truancy. Most were white females age 14 or older when the first complaint was filed. The report recommends that the State government be more attentive to the type and quality of preventive and remedial services provided status offenders and their families. It is recommended that there should be a more consistent statewide policy on how the district court should handle status offenders. Maps and tabular data are provided, along with a 10-item bibliography on causes of running away from home.