How is a runaway defined?

How is a runaway defined?

• A. A NYS resident under the age of 16 who runs away from home
• B. Any child who misses school for a day
• C. A resident over 18 who leaves home
• D. A child who is truant

Answer: (A)

Runaway is defined as a New York State resident under 16 who runs away from home. This definition matters because it determines when police and child welfare treat a child as a runaway, triggering the appropriate procedures to locate the child and contact guardians. The other scenarios don’t fit because missing school for a day isn’t the act of leaving home, being over 18 isn’t a child, and truancy refers to school attendance rather than running away.

Runaway is defined as a New York State resident under 16 who runs away from home. This definition matters because it determines when police and child welfare treat a child as a runaway, triggering the appropriate procedures to locate the child and contact guardians. The other scenarios don’t fit because missing school for a day isn’t the act of leaving home, being over 18 isn’t a child, and truancy refers to school attendance rather than running away.