Runaway Youth Research Articles

PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS FOR PROACTIVE SUPPORT IN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION AND VICTIM REINTEGRATION

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex crime that affects millions of people worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for proactive approaches to trafficking prevention and victim reintegration. Predictive analytics, a data-driven technology that uses algorithms to analyze patterns and predict future outcomes, holds great promise in this regard. This review explores the application of predictive analytics in trafficking prevention and victim reintegration, highlighting its potential to enhance proactive support for victims and improve overall outcomes. Predictive analytics can play a crucial role in trafficking prevention by identifying patterns and trends that may indicate potential trafficking activities. By analyzing data from various sources, such as social media, financial transactions, and law enforcement records, predictive analytics can help identify high-risk areas and individuals, enabling law enforcement agencies and NGOs to take proactive measures to prevent trafficking. For example, predictive analytics can help identify vulnerable populations, such as runaway youth or migrants, and target prevention efforts accordingly. In the context of victim reintegration, predictive analytics can help improve outcomes by identifying factors that may influence a victim's likelihood of successful reintegration into society. By analyzing data on factors such as education, employment, and social support, predictive analytics can help identify interventions that are most likely to help victims rebuild their lives. For example, predictive analytics can help identify the types of support services, such as housing assistance or job training, that are most effective in helping victims reintegrate into society. Overall, predictive analytics has the potential to revolutionize trafficking prevention and victim reintegration efforts by enabling proactive support that is tailored to the specific needs of victims. However, it is important to recognize that predictive analytics is not without its challenges, including concerns about data privacy and ethical implications. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that predictive analytics is used responsibly and in accordance with ethical guidelines to maximize its benefits in trafficking prevention and victim reintegration. Keywords: Predictive Analytics, Human Trafficking, Prevention, Victim Reintegration, Systematic Review.

Traumatic Experiences and High-Risk Behaviors Among Runaway Youth in Residential Care Centers: The Influence of Sensation Seeking and Impulsivity

ABSTRACT Running away from a residential care center is a worrying reality due to high-risk behaviors adopted by many youths such as delinquency, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior and risky driving. Because youth in residential care may have been exposed to a variety of traumatic experiences (e.g. emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, emotional and physical neglect), the purpose of this study is first, to examine the association between these experiences and high-risk behaviors in adolescents in residential care. Second, this study aims to explore the explanatory mechanisms (impulsivity and sensation-seeking) behind the adoption of high-risk behaviors in runaway and non-runaway youth in residential care. To this end, 125 adolescents aged 15–17 who had run away at least once and 75 who had never run away from their residential care center completed self-report questionnaires about traumatic experiences, high-risk behaviors, sensation seeking and impulsivity. To address the study objectives, correlation and conditional mediation analyses were conducted. Results indicate that sensation seeking influences the relationship between traumatic experiences and delinquency, as well as drug and alcohol use. Thus, addressing sensation seeking tendencies could reduce the risks inherent in the adoption of certain high-risk behaviors among youth in residential care centers.

The influence of sexual violence on suicide risk among runaway youth in South Korea: The multiple additive moderating effect of peer attachment and parental attachment

BackgroundRunaway youth without an adequate and safe place are vulnerable to sexual violence. Sexual violence is strongly associated with suicide risk, but peers and family are important factors in attenuating the negative outcomes of sexual violence; however, research on this relationship is insufficient because previous studies have focused only on runaway youth's problematic behavior. ObjectiveThis study's specific aims were as follows: 1) to verify the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth, and 2) to assess whether peer and parental attachment moderated the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth. Participants and settingThe participants comprised 232 runaway youth (51.3 % girls); more than half were aged 17–19 years and approximately two-thirds of them had experienced child abuse. MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were provided to the participating runaway youth in youth shelters in South Korea. The data were analyzed using a multiple additive moderating model that simultaneously included moderating and control variables. ResultsIn total, 18.5 % of runaway youth were exposed to sexual violence (10.6 % boys, 26.1 % girls). Sexual violence victimization affected suicide risk among runaway youth. Peer attachment alleviated the negative relationship between sexual violence and suicide risk, and acted as a protective factor. Although the moderating effect of parental attachment was not significant, it significantly influenced suicide risk. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that runaway youth are vulnerable to sexual violence victimization, especially severe types of sexual violence. Our study verified the role of peer and parental attachment in the association between sexual violence and suicide risk among runaway youth. These findings suggest the need to improve positive peer and parent relationships to mitigate suicide risk among runaway youth.

How do providers assess young people for risk of sex trafficking? Observed indicators, follow-up, and assessment questions from a sample of social service providers

The extent to which service providers across systems identify and assess potentially sex trafficked youth is understudied. The purpose of this study is to determine whether and how providers observe relevant indicators and assess for sex trafficking risk among minors (ages 12–17), young adults (ages 18–29), and families of minors. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was disseminated to service providers, who represented child welfare, youth justice, and social services (e.g. runaway youth, sexual violence), in a region of a Midwestern state (United States). Participants (N = 267) were asked whether they provided direct services to minors (ages 12–17, n = 245), adults (ages 18–29, n = 148), and/or families/foster families of minors (ages 12–17, n = 163), resulting in three respective client groups. Survey items assessed the extent to which providers (1) identified possible sex trafficking indicators across 5 domains; (2) took follow up actions; and (3) asked risk assessment questions. T-tests were conducted to examine differences between those who reported receiving sex trafficking trainings, compared to those who did not. Results suggest that the most commonly identified indicators included depressive symptoms, shame and guilt, lack of social support. Least common indicators included torture, false IDs, hotel involvement. A third of minor-aged providers did not ask sex trafficking risk assessment questions. Providers reported asking fewer clients about online sex trading than in-person forms. There were statistically significant differences among providers who received training. Implications, including provider strategies for assessing online sex trading and organizational protocols to enhance sex trafficking identification, are discussed.

위기 청소년의 보호와 범죄피해방지를 위한 일본 사례 연구

Recently, an environment has been established in which it is easy for youths in crisis to form a mutual runaway family using smartphones. As a result, it has become more difficult to lead and protect teenagers. Not only are they exposed to various criminal environments such as prostitution, but they can also be subject to criminal damage. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a protection and intervention system suitable for new environmental changes. In particular, the analysis of the cases of Japan, which have a similar social and cultural environment and have a lot of legal and institutional commonalities with us, can provide a clue to the improvement of our system. In Japan, the problem of violent groups has become significantly less serious than in the past, while the problem of runaway youths is becoming a new social issue. Accordingly, the police are conducting activities to prevent criminal damage by cyber patrol activities and the introduction of a reporting system for meeting sites. It has also been operating a youth support center for a long time, which is an organization within the police but is in charge of intervention in youth. In particular, Fukuoka Prefecture implements a practical multi-agency cooperation system by establishing a system in which police and other youth-related institutions work in the same space. For effective protection and response, it can be confirmed that regulations on the harmful environment of the Internet and the establishment of a practical multi-agency cooperation system are necessary.

The prevalence and correlates of running away among adolescents in the United States.

Runaway youth may experience a myriad of challenges associated with significant risks to health and well-being. To examine the prevalence and correlates of running away from home among USyouth. Annual USnationally representative samples of 8th and 10th graders between 2005 and 2017 from the Monitoring the Future study. Self-reports of nationally representative samples of 8th and 10th graders in the USAnnual survey data from 8th and 10th graders spanning 2005-2017, n = 116,520. The primary outcome of this study, running away from home in the past 12 months, was examined using multivariable weighted logistic regression. Predictor measures included: parent and peer relationships, school factors (e.g., gradepoint average[GPA]), internalizing symptoms, externalizing behavior, and substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes). Demographic measures in the model were grade level (8th or 10th), gender (boys or girls), parent education, and race/ethnicity. The annual prevalence of running away decreased significantly from 8.3% in 2005to 6.1% in 2017. Demographically, running away from home was significantly lower among boys compared with girls. Multivariable logistic regression model results revealed that higher levels of parental involvement, GPA, and self-esteem are all significantly related to lower odds of running away from home. Having peers who drop out of school, going on more date nights, self-derogation, interpersonal aggression, sensation seeking, theft, and property damage, as well as past 12-month alcohol use, past 12-month marijuana use, and past 30-day cigarette use were all associated with higher odds of running away from home. Annual prevalence of running away from home has been decreasing, but still affects a large number of teens. Running away is associated with numerous challenges across social, behavioral, and health domains that can further negatively impact the health and well-being of this already vulnerable population.

Virtual safety: using online simulation to prepare trainees for their community safeguarding roles

Conducting child protection medical assessments (CPMA) where there are concerns of non-accidental injury (NAI) is a key clinical skill for paediatricians and part of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) curriculum [1]. Child Protection (CP) simulation training was commissioned following trainee feedback around unpreparedness when carrying out CPMA. The COVID-19 pandemic forced delivery of online CP simulation. Initial learners were paediatric trainees; with newly qualified school nursing and health visiting colleagues in subsequent delivery; allowing for multi-professional learning in the simulated environment. The session aims were to: - increase familiarity with professional conversations in the CP context - formulate an evidence-based opinion in cases of suspected NAI - rehearse discussing outcomes of CPMA with parents/carers and social workers We rehearsed, modified, and then, using Zoom as a synchronous platform, with a trained simulated patient (SP) and faculty as role players created three 10-minute community-based CP scenarios for a twice-yearly programme. Pre-course information and a pre-briefing explained the online limitations and opportunities, including how we co-create psychological safety, the option of a wellbeing ‘wobble’ room, also outlining the Diamond debriefing model [2]. Pre- and post-course surveys were sent to the 18 participants. Likert scale ratings on confidence and anxiety levels when approaching a CP medical; familiarity with and likelihood of using the HEADSSS tool [3] was analysed using paired T-test probability. 94% (17/18) had no previous CP simulation experience. Confidence in carrying out CPMA increased post-simulation (p= 0.00418) Anxiety going into the CPMA decreased post-simulation (p=0.00624). 44% were familiar with HEADSSS tool pre-course and 94% were more likely to use it post-course (Likert rating 4or5). Confidence in expressing concerns to parent/carer rose from 11% to 82.3% post-course (Likert rating 4or5). Free text learning points included ‘Use what you can agree on (parent and doctor) as a foundation for developing rapport.’ ‘… very useful in preparation for community.’ ‘… very helpful in giving me more confidence in carrying out medicals.’ ‘Never undertaken a simulation with an actor, it felt real (I was surprised)’, ‘interesting to share learning… as practitioners have different perspectives.’ Despite sensitivity of the subject and the emotive realism brought by the SP’s, psychological safety was achieved in this online interprofessional CP simulation training through detailed preparation in course design and faculty preparedness. The pilot was successful in preparing participants to fulfil their safeguarding role. Online training continues to be a synchronous induction for 2022. 1. RCPCH. Progress curriculum. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 2018. 2. Jaye P, Thomas L, Reedy G. The Diamond: a structure for simulation debrief. The Clinical Teacher. 2015; 12(3):171–175. 3. Cohen E, Mackenzie RG, Yates GL. HEADSS, a psychosocial risk assessment instrument: implications for designing effective intervention programs for runaway youth. Journal of Adolescent Health. 1991;12(7):539–44.

Predictors of runaway behavior in adolescent Saudi girls

The phenomenon of girls running away from home is an increasingly widespread social challenge confronted by families, welfare agencies, and governmental organizations in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia. This study compared runaway girls and a control group on various measures and investigated the predictors of runaway behavior among Saudi adolescent girls. A sample of young adolescent girls (N = 77, aged between 14 and 21 years) included a purposive sample of runaways (N = 33), comprised of all the girls living in a social care home in Jeddah who had left their homes at least once, and a control group (N = 44) selected via cluster sampling. The participants were assessed using a demographic questionnaire, the Family Cohesion Scale, and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale. Inter-group differences were apparent and differences were also found based on the circumplex model. The results of the stepwise discriminant analysis showed six variables (family cohesion, age, education, number of sisters, number of brothers, and birth order) that remained and explained 80.82% of group membership variation. Lack of family cohesion, along with several demographic variables, can lead to complicated emotional attitudes among adolescent girls which trigger runaway behavior. Although runaway youth services must continue to stay focused on safety and short-term residential care, the underlying causal factors must be identified as well.

Study on Stress Experiences of Runaway Youths Residing in Shelter

Study on Stress Experiences of Runaway Youths Residing in Shelter

What Would Foucault Say? Applying the Theoretical Lens of Power/Control and Stigma through a Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis of Runaway Girls

Qualitative studies have examined runaway youth and their choices to leave home, their involvement living on the streets, and their lived experiences as stigmatized youth. For the present study, a Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis (QIMS) was conducted to synthesize the data from these various studies. A systematic search located qualitative research that focused on girls who were or had been runaways. They were synthesized in this analysis. The themes of power/control and stigma are analyzed with a Foucaultian lens with an eye toward informing social workers of their roles in the power/control structures that create stigma for runaway youth.

가출 청소년의 사회적응성 향상을 위한 쉼터의 개선과 가상현실(VR) 프로그램 활용 방안

This study has exploration of Virtual Reality Program element for adjustment resilience of review the readiness of independent living of runaway youths at the youth shelters under the assumption that there haven’t been enough studies about the readiness for successful independent living of the runaway youth at those shelters. The purpose of this research is to present fact that the runaway youth have experienced youth misconduct for satisfying their needs and is to emphasis the necessity of youth shelter to protect the runaway youth for prevention of their misconduct and is to present the roles of youth shelter for the runaway youth misdeeds prevention and the right guidance through the facility extension of youth shelter the public relations and service improvement. Especially, this study has focused on the extent of the readiness of the runaway youth, the relevance with sub-variables and influencing factors for independent living at those mid & long-term shelters. community activities and supports from community showed all meaningful relevance to all self-management. this study have been research literature research and Focus group interview of 5 to Youths Shelter manager. Youths Shelters are operated according to three models building a systematic network among shelters and the development of professional expertise are vital to the success of shelters. Shelters of each model type should be characteristically developed. This thesis shows that Viral Reality technique which make a per son be able to look, feel, hear and inter action in the computer generated situation can over come some of the difficulties inherent in the traditional treatment of phobias. Youths Shelter needed appreciated of the various establishment a peculiarity and they connectivity and exploration of Virtual Reality therapy, program, network for the improvement and synergy effect.

Effects of domestic violence damage experience on runaway youth by gender

Effects of domestic violence damage experience on runaway youth by gender

Profile of Runaway Youths from Residential Care Centers: Variation in Risk-Taking Propensity.

During runaway episodes, adolescents engage in various high-risk behaviors and are exposed to various dangers. This situation is even more pronounced among runaway youths from residential care centers, given their personal and familial backgrounds that place them at risk. The current study attempted to disentangle the heterogeneous characteristics of runaway youths while considering the adolescent risk-taking literature. A latent profile analysis was performed among 112 runaway youths from residential care centers based on runaway characteristics (number, duration, context of return). The Parent involvement, Independent and Police involvement runaway youth profiles were compared on various characteristics involved in risk-taking, their high-risk behaviors and mental health problems. The clinical implications for these three runaway profiles are discussed.

Youth Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Unique Needs and Practical Strategies From International Perspectives

Youth Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Unique Needs and Practical Strategies From International Perspectives

Runaway Girls and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: A Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis

Runaway youth are at heightened risk for violence, substance use, suicide, and other high risk concerns. Qualitative studies have examined youth choices to leave home, involvement living on the streets, and lived experiences as stigmatized youth; however, findings from these various studies have never been analyzed together into a single synthesis of information. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the qualitative data using Qualitative Interpretative Meta-Synthesis. The researcher completed a systematic search to locate studies focused on girls who were or had been runaways, extracting themes from 10 articles to create new overarching themes that encompassed each of the articles. Results showed six new overarching themes: power/control, stigma, physical needs, safety, belonging, and acceptance. The themes of physical needs, safety, belonging, and acceptance are discussed using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs paradigm. Together, the themes are constructed to discuss how helping professionals can be better prepared to help meet the myriad needs of runaway girls by utilizing the hierarchy of needs presented by Maslow. This research article provides a unique insight into working with a vulnerable population by weaving together the experiences and words of the individuals whose real-life narratives have shaped the discussion.

Experiences of Family Conflict in Shelter-Residing Runaway Youth: A Phenomenological Study

Family conflict is the most significant factor that causes adolescents to run away from home. This study explored the experiences of family conflict from the perspective of Korean runaway youth. We conducted a qualitative phenomenological study using in-depth interviews with nine female runaway youth. Audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Colaizzi method. We found that the participants had experienced complex family conflicts since early childhood, such as parental conflict and mental health issues, abuse, neglect, lack of parental understanding, and poverty. Participants had negative emotions and coping problems regarding family conflict(s), before leaving home. After running away, they experienced ambivalent feelings, and felt both hatred and compassion towards their parents. Their experiences influenced their thoughts regarding future family relationships. Understanding the viewpoint of runaway youth in terms of family conflict can assist in the development of interventions designed for such youth.

Development of a Family-Based Mental Health Program for Runaway Adolescents Using an Intervention Mapping Protocol.

The mental health and related quality of life of runaway adolescents are global public health issues. As few intervention studies have considered the family contexts of runaway adolescents, we aimed to develop an intervention tailored specifically to the needs of this population using an Intervention Mapping protocol. First, a literature review and interviews with runaway adolescents and youth shelter workers were conducted to create a logic model of the problem. Second, the behavioral and environmental outcomes were set to adapt to stressful situations and enable families to become more resourceful in dealing with family adversity, based on the results of needs assessment. Performance objectives and changeable determinants were also created by reviewing the pertinent theories and studies. Third, theory- and evidence-based methods to influence changes in the determinants were identified. Fourth, we designed an eight-session family-based mental health program incorporating individual and family approaches for runaway adolescents. Fifth, we determined that mental health nurses at community mental health centers linked to youth shelters would serve as the program implementers. Finally, we planned a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of our program on improving runaway adolescents’ mental health status and perceived family functioning.

Oooh She’s a Little Runaway: Examining Invariance in Runaway Youth Trajectories by Developmental and Life-Course Risk Factors and Gender

Runaway behavior is incredibly prevalent among youth and has been associated with a host of negative distal outcomes to include repeat running, victimization, and future offending. Notably, girls run away at higher frequencies than boys, and the experiences, motivations, and effects of running away appear to vary by gender. However, relatively little is known regarding the risk factors associated with runaways, or whether these risk factors are invariant by gender or frequency of runaway behavior. Using a group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) on a sample of youth runaways in Florida, this study aims to identify the distinct trajectories of runaway events throughout adolescence, and whether risk factors implicated in developmental and life-course criminology (DLC) theories are applicable to runaways of varying frequency and gender. Results of the GBTM identified two distinct runaway trajectories (chronic and low rate runaway groups) and, as such, establishes the first empirical definition for chronic runaway status. In addition, findings indicate both symmetry and variance in runaway behavior and risk factors by gender and runaway frequency. These findings underscore the applicability of DLC theory to high-risk youth beyond juvenile offenders and the need for more individualized prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the distinct risk factors among runaway youth, particularly for girls and chronic runaways.

Vulnerable Youth and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

* Abbreviations: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease of 2019 LGBTQ — : lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning Vulnerable pediatric populations (including youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning [LGBTQ]; homeless; maltreated; in foster care; and struggling with substance use disorders) warrant particular consideration during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is likely that stay-at-home orders, combined with increased economic instability and family pressures, will increase their risks for harm and, in some cases, may make it untenable (and potentially dangerous) for them to shelter in place. Simultaneously, safety nets that protect youth (child protective services, medical and mental health providers, and educators) have fewer staff available or are inaccessible because of the COVID-19 crisis. These conditions highlight how morbidity and mortality in vulnerable pediatric populations will likely extend beyond the pandemic itself. For some children and youth, home can be isolating and, in some cases, dangerous. Adverse childhood experiences, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, are common, with an estimated 678 000 children and adolescents experiencing maltreatment in 2018, and young children are at highest risk for serious harm.1 These risks increase for specific populations. Indeed, LGBTQ and gender nonconforming youth (up to 16% of all youth) are at far higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse, with the level of gender nonconformity predictive of … Address correspondence to Rachel I. Silliman Cohen, MD, Child Abuse Research Education and Service Institute, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, 42 E Laurel Rd, Stratford, NJ 08084. E-mail: sillimancohen{at}rowan.edu

Mental Health Outcomes Among Homeless, Runaway, and Stably Housed Youth.

Runaway youth and homeless youth are at risk for adverse mental health outcomes. These 2 populations are frequently pooled together in both research and interventions yet may have unique health needs. We sought to assess differences in mental health outcomes among these populations. We conducted a secondary data analysis of ninth- and 11th-graders in the 2016 minnesota Student Survey (n = 68 785). We categorized youth into 4 subgroups based on housing status in the previous year: (1) unaccompanied homeless youth (0.5%), (2) runaway youth (4%), (3) youth who had both run away and been homeless (0.6%), and (4) stably housed youth (95%). We performed multivariable logistic regression to compare 4 mental health outcomes (self-injury, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and depressive symptoms) across groups, controlling for demographics and abuse history. Unstably housed youth had poorer mental health outcomes when compared with their stably housed peers (P < .05). For example, 11% of homeless youth, 20% of runaways, and 33% of youth who had experienced both had attempted suicide in the previous year compared with 2% of stably housed youth (adjusted odds ratios 2.4, 4.9, and 7.1, respectively). Other outcomes showed a similar pattern. Our findings suggest that runaway and homeless youth represent unique populations with high levels of mental health needs who would benefit from targeted clinical and community interventions. Pediatric clinicians represent one potential point of screening and intervention.