The Scottish Government Young Runaways – Experiences and Risks Briefing

The Scottish Government How long were young people away? Length of time away % During the day 37 1 night nights 17 A week or more 9

The Scottish Government Where did young people stay when away? Where young people stayed % Friends 38 Relatives 24 Slept rough 28 Stayed with stranger 3 Other 7

The Scottish Government Where young people stayed when away: Males more likely to sleep rough Glasgow children less likely to sleep rough Over half have slept rough Nearly 60% stay in same city or local authority area

The Scottish Government Risks of running 1 in 7 of those away 2 or more nights resort to risky survival strategies 15% of all young runaways are physically assaulted, 6% sexually assaulted Assaulted staying with friends 16% Assaulted staying with relatives 5%

The Scottish Government Invisibility of young runaways Only one in five asked for help on last occasion they ran away 60-70% not reported as missing Prevention is crucial

The Scottish Government Responses Primary and focused prevention Independent interviews Services for young runaways Refuge accommodation and support