Conducted in New York City in the early 1980's, the study examined the concepts of a runaway's 'role,' 'identity,' and 'career.' The study's central issues concerned (1) whether running away from home is a role youth assume in the normal course of development, (2) whether running away can be distinguished from other problem behaviors of youth, (3) whether the subjective accounts of runaways give a clearer understanding of the worlds of runaways, and (4) why children choose to run away at a particular time. Data were collected through interviews with 36 runaways contacted through runaway programs and family court files. Adults who work with runaways were interviewed and the files of anonymous runaways were reviewed. One study finding was that running away from home is not necessarily a crisis for the youth nor does it always constitute a total break with the youth's family. Many of the youths viewed their running away as a necessary act of independence that proved to be a positive experience for them. It is suggested that a broader range of services must be provided for runaways and their families. Appendixes contain the interview schedule and a demographic master index. Nine data tables are provided, along with a bibliography of approximately 220 listings.