FOR MANY KIDS, running away seems like an exciting adventure, and the first few days on their own may be fun. They meet new people, have new experiences, and enjoy their independence. But after the novelty wears off, these kids realize that street life is hazardous. Some are able to escape this world, either by returning home or by seeking help at a shelter. Others, however, get drawn into the lifestyle of a homeless youth and have to learn to fend for themselves against the dangers of living on the street. As BabyJill, one runaway, puts it, "You think you're running from the pain, but you're really just diving headfirst into the worst pain of your life."

Surviving homelessness

Unlike most other teens, runaways usually do not receive any practical or emotional support from their families. They are often young...