This survey found the yearly occurrence of overnight runaway behavior to be 1.7% of those aged 10-17, or between 519,000 and 635,000 individual runaways per year nationally (Caton). However it is important to remember this study was taken quite awhile ago and numbers would increase as the years pass by and the population increases. It is also important to note that not all runaways or homeless youth make use of community services. Many seek shelter with relatives or friends, never coming to the attention of public authorities or service agencies. .
Current literature suggests that the homeless youth population is diverse and that there is no typical homeless youth. However, there are some patterns in characteristics. Depending on the source of the sample, homeless youth include both males and females in varying proportions. Data from shelters suggest either even numbers of both sexes or more females. In contrast, street samples tend to include more males. Ages usually range from 13-17, with a majority from most reports over age 15. However several studies have identified youth under age 13, including some as young as 9. Race and ethnicity is not an important characteristic to describe the homeless youth population. It is common for race and ethnicity of these kids to reflect the area served (Salamon).
Homeless youth are comprised of a complex population including many youth with multiple problems. Although many factors have been identified to contribute to homelessness, no single element can be seen as the cause of youth homelessness. .
Family conflict or communication problems tend to be the leading contributor of homelessness among youth. The family environment of homeless kids has been characterized by parent-child conflict, discipline problems, poor communication, poor supervision, alienation from parents, and physical and sexual abuse, lack of affection and caring, and substance abuse.
