At-risk teens and troubled youth are not defined by demographics, race, or by economics. They are found in every neighborhood. Dysfunction within the family is usually the common denominator, but not always. Runaway, abused, and thrown away youth have become a crisis. Children sleeping on park benches, thrown away youth searching for a bite to eat, or emotionally abused teens wandering the streets is everyone's responsibility. It is important to be aware of this troubled section of society and reach out a helping hand.
These may seem like rare, isolated incidents but they are not. According to me, the number of runaway and throwaway youth is hard to measure, but it is a chronic and serious social issue. It is estimated that 1.6 to 2.8 million youth run away or are thrown away each year in America.
As the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reports,
A runaway incident is when:
- A child leaves home without permission, staying away overnight
- A child 14 years old or younger, away from home, chooses not to come home when expected to, staying away overnight.
- A child 15 years old or older, away from home, chooses not to come home,stays away two nights
A throwaway incident is when:
- A child is asked or told to leave home by a parent or other household adult with no adequate, alternative care, and is out of the household overnight
- A child who is away from home and is prevented from returning home by a parent or other household adult, with no adequate, alternative care, and is out overnight
The major reason for youth in this situation is within the family unit, stemming from child neglect, physical or sexual abuse, family substance abuse, or family violence.
“A very colorful girl,” they thought after meeting her several times. With each encounter, the hair had been a different color. Little did they know that the color of her hair was a cover for her dysfunctional, young life. Her friends had tried to help, sheltering her from the realities that lived at her home, but it was to no avail. Missing for two weeks, no one knew where she’d gone.
There’s no easy way to define this troubled section of society. They are male or female, range in age and can come from either poverty or affluence. Females seem to make up the majority or at least are more likely to seek help. The data collected by the National Runaway Switchboard in 2008 showed that 72% of the callers were females under the age of 18 and 28% were male.
"Once I turn 18, I’m getting kicked out." This statement and ones similar are often heard among troubled youth today. Unprepared for and unaware of the many decisions they need to make, they drift from place to place, never establishing roots and often getting into trouble.
Children are considered adults at the age of 18. Is this realistic? Steve Biddulph, an author, activist, and psychologist says, " The teenage brain is very unformed. It rebuilds from 13 to about 19 and is changed in structure so comprehensively that it makes decision-making and logical thinking very hard for teenagers, especially if they are stressed or distracted. So adults have to stay close to the action and not leave kids alone or with too much freedom."
The Carnegie Report on Adolescent Development reported that there has been a breakdown of traditional support networks that existed in past generations where a sense of community thrived and accountability was important. The report concluded that, "Young adults from all economic strata now find themselves alone in communities where there are few adults to turn to, and no safe places to go."
Colin Powell once shared that family, church, the public school system, and something he called the "aunt net" saved him from succumbing to the influences of street life. He said, "When I set off to school each morning, I had an aunt in every other house, stationed at the window with eyes peeled, ready to spot the slightest misbehavior on my part and report it back to my parents." As uncomfortable as it may seem, it is everyone’s responsibility to care for this next generation.
It is a challenge for parents to raise, protect, and provide guidance for children. Saturated with temptations, moral corruption, accessible illegal drugs, and other negative influences, the world is a virtual whirlpool drowning unsuspecting, neglected youth. Being a parent does not come with retirement benefits.
- Stay involved.
- Don't think that there is a magic age when it can be said children don't need guidance
- Pray
- Communicate, even when topics are uncomfortable
- Keep the lines of communication open
- Get to know their friends
- Stay close, be available
Care and discernment must be taken when becoming involved in situations dealing with troubled youth. It is not unusual for teen rebellion to regularly raise its ugly head in the best of family situations. Be informed about circumstances before offering help. Usurping parental authority may cause further problems, making reconciliation difficult. Caring adults can make a difference.
- Provide a safe haven
- Provide a listening ear, balanced meal, guidance, or a Godly example
- Provide information regarding outside agencies that reach out to troubled youth
- Establish personal, healthy boundaries so that troubled teens learn responsibility and do not rely too heavily on others’ kindnesses
- Speak words of encouragement to help rebuild confidence and self-respect
Runaway, throwaway, and troubled youth are everywhere. It is a crisis affecting the next generation and beyond. Responsibility rests in the hands of caring adults willing to reach out and make a difference. At-risk teens often need help beyond what their parents can give. Patterns of dysfunction within the family can be remedied. Healthy boundaries, a kind heart, and an encouraging word from a caring adult can be the beginning of lasting change.
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