Almost two in every 100 children run away from home in the North East

Around two out of every 100 North East children ran away from home or care in the last year, new figures reveal.

2,378 young people – aged 10 to 17 – were reported to have gone missing in the Northumbria Police area according to statistics just released for the period up to the end of March 2009. This is 1.74% of the 137,000 children in that age group within the region. Previous research from The Children’s Society also suggests that two-thirds of young people who go missing are not reported to the police.

In Newcastle alone, 500 young people were reported missing last year. They often run away in an attempt to escape abuse, violence and conflict.

The new figures were released to coincide with The Children’s Society partnership with Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids campaign. The aim is to raise £100,000 for the charity’s SCARPA (Safeguarding Children At Risk – Prevention & Action), project that works to help children who run away.

SCARPA provides them with a safe place, support to sort their problems out, help to give up risky behaviour and advice on getting out of relationships where they are being exploited. Projects like SCARPA are badly needed because every year in the UK over 100,000 children run away from home or care. But it urgently needs more funds to continue supporting these vulnerable young people.

Northumbria Police’s Detective Inspector John Watts, head of Newcastle Area Command’s Public Protection Unit, said: “SCARPA is an excellent service which is making a difference in terms of early intervention and prevention work and in supporting Newcastle’s Safeguarding Children Board to protect young people.

“It’s an independent service which works closely with us and our partners to identify the young people most at risk of going missing from home and supports us in developing strategies for supporting these young people. It’s a charity that relies on funding and I hope it continues to receive support.”

The Children’s Society’s Chief Executive Bob Reitemeier said: ”One young runaway at risk on the streets is too many. We set up SCARPA to ensure that North-East children who feel compelled to run away are helped to stay safe and free from exploitation or harm.

“That is why we are delighted to receive the support of Metro Radio’s Cash For Kids campaign in raising funds so that the vital work that SCARPA does in the area can continue.”

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