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Understanding runaway behaviour in group homes: What are runaways trying to tell us?

Author

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  • Rana Karam
  • Marie Robert

Abstract

This paper explores runaway behaviour in foster care through the lens of Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) transactional model of stress and coping. To better understand the context and meaning of this behaviour in these troubled youth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 runaway adolescents in foster care. Thematic and conceptual analyses were used. The foster care system's response to runaway behaviour was also examined by constructing foster trajectories for every youth in the study. The results show that running away can be understood as a coping mechanism that displays adolescent's need for connection, empowerment, and emotion regulation, factors not addressed in foster placement. The trajectories suggest that foster care system intervention plays a role in placement disruption and runaway behaviour. In light of these findings, changes in foster care structure and policies seem essential in order to provide stability and continuity of care, as well as an environment where connections, empowerment, and emotion expression and regulation are possible to achieve.

Suggested Citation

  • Rana Karam & Marie Robert, 2013. "Understanding runaway behaviour in group homes: What are runaways trying to tell us?," Journal of Community Positive Practices, Catalactica NGO, issue 2, pages 69-79.
    • Handle: RePEc:cta:jcppxx:2136
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    File URL: http://jppc.ro/index.php/jppc/article/download/192/170
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    Cited by:

    1. Bezeczky, Zoe & Wilkins, David, 2022. "Repeat missing child reports: Prevalence, timing, and risk factors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    2. Latzman, Natasha E. & Gibbs, Deborah A. & Feinberg, Rose & Kluckman, Marianne N. & Aboul-Hosn, Sue, 2019. "Human trafficking victimization among youth who run away from foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 113-124.
    3. Bowden, Francesca & Lambie, Ian & Willis, Gwen, 2018. "Road runners: Why youth abscond from out-of-home care in New Zealand," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 535-544.
    4. Chor, Ka Ho Brian & Luo, Zhidi & Dworsky, Amy & Raman, Rameela & Courtney, Mark E. & Epstein, Richard A., 2022. "Development and validation of a predictive risk model for runaway among youth in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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