A typology of runaway youths: An empirically based definition

One approach that is useful for improving services to a heterogeneous population is to develop typologies of the subgroups within the population. Over the last few years there have been a number of typologies put forward to better define those youths who run from home. However, these typologies historically have been based on practice experience and literature reviews. In this paper, the literature is reviewed to develop composite groups of runaways and homeless youths. Then this proposed typology is tested with a sample of 262 youths from runaway shelters and youths living on the street. Discriminate analysis is used to develop an empirically based typology. Implications for clinicians and service providers are discussed.