According to the National Runaway Switchboard
(NRS), there is no typical teen runaway, and no single reason
why a runaway leaves home. Runaways are both male
and female, although girls more commonly call hotlines
for help and are more likely to be arrested. Runaways represent
every race and religion, and come from both affluent
and poor families. Author Laurie Schaffner says,
“There is a common misconception that children from
poor families run away more often, that the tensions in
working-class families are somehow emotionally and psychologically
worse than the problems of middle class