Maltreatment among runaway and homeless youth

A sample of 223 adolescents who sought services from runaway and homeless youth programs in New York State during 1986–1987 was identified as having a history of maltreatment. A demographic profile is presented and the nature of their maltreatment described. The majority of these youth were female and between 15–16 years of age. Less than 25% came from intact families and one-third were born to single mothers. Of the sample, 60% had allegedly experienced physical abuse, 42% emotional abuse, 48% neglect, and 21 % sexual abuse. Over one-third were “pushed out” of their homes by their families. Biological mothers were the most frequently cited perpetrators of maltreatment (63%), followed by biological fathers (45%). The sample of maltreated runaways is compared to both statewide and national samples of runaway and homeless youth with regard to their demographic characteristics and the problems they present to staff at intake (e.g., depression, substance abuse, etc.). Youth in the maltreated sample were more likely to be female and were more likely to have engaged in suicidal behavior. Otherwise, the maltreated runaways were not readily distinguished from the runaway and homeless youth population at large. Un collectif de 223 adolescents fugueurs et sans domicile fixe a été réuni dans l'Etat de New York en 1986–87. Ces individus avaient requis de l'aide des services sociaux spécialisés: ils avaient tous subi une forme ou une autre de mauvais traitements. Les auteurs de l'étude définissent la nature des mauvais traitements subis (type de violence ou de négligence, scénario type d'agresseur etc.) ainsi que les caractéristiques démographiques et familiales les concer- nant. Ils font également une comparaison de leurs observations avec des données récoltées ailleurs dans l'Etat et dans le Pays, notamment en ce qui concerne la démographie et les problèmes que ces adolescents présentent lors de la prise en charge (p.ex. dépression, comportement suicidaire, etc.). Una muestra de 223 adolescentes que buscó ayuda de los servicios de ayuda a losjóvenes fugitivos y sin hogar del Estado de Nueva York durante 1986–1987 fué identificada como sufriendo de una historia de maltrato. Esta investigación describe la naturaleza del maltrato (tipos de abuso/negligencia, configuraciones, perpetradores, etc.) experimentado por estos jovenes y provee un perfil de su familia y sus características demogràficas. Esta muestra de fugitivos maltrados es comparada con nuestras estatales y nacionales dejovenes fugitivos y sin hogar con respecto a sus caracteristicas demogràficas y los problemas que ellos presentan al personal durante su admisión (v.g., depresión. conducta suicidal, etc.).