Definition Of Runaway

A runaway episode is one that meets any one of the following criteria:

• A child leaves home without permission and stays away overnight. 
• A child 14 years old or younger (or older and mentally incompetent) who is away from home chooses not to come home when expected to and stays away overnight.
• A child 15 years old or older who is away from home chooses not to come home and stays away two nights.
  
    

  Definition about Thrownaways 

  A thrownaway episode is one that meets either of the following criteria:

  

  • A child is asked or told to leave home by a parent or other household adult, no adequate alternative care is arranged for the child by a household adult, and the child is out of the household overnight.
  • A child who is away from home is prevented from returning home by a parent or other household adult, no adequate alternative care is arranged for the child by a household adult, and the child is out of the household overnight.