YOUNGSTERS are being given a safety net in a bid to reduce the number of children who run away from home.

A task force is putting together a strategy on Teesside to provide counselling and support for vulnerable children and their families.

Figures show 200 youngsters went missing from home between February and July this year, with ten running away on more than one occasion.

Cleveland Police are concerned that, for children, running away from home can be the start of a slippery slope into crime and exploitation.

Superintendent Graham Strange, chairman of the Neighbourhood Nuisance Task Group, said: "Young people who run away from home can be easily led astray. They are at risk of being led into drugs and crime.

"Here we have a chance to give them support and direction. There will be an independent person for the youngster to speak to, and someone for the parents to confide in.''

The unveiling of the strategy follows the release of figures by the Children's Society early this month which showed 1,085 young people run away or are thrown out by their families on Teesside every year.

The figures also revealed 1,730 children ran away or were shown the door in Tyne and Wear, 1,150 in North Yorkshire and 1,000 in County Durham.

One in seven experience violence or sexual assault while on the run. The discovery has led the society to call for more mediation to reduce family tensions and the number of children running away.

The multi-agency plan, launched in Middlesbrough, will swing into operation when a child goes missing from home more than once a year or if police suspect a child may have been abused or involved in crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour or prostitution.

On returning home the youngster and parents will be interviewed to find the cause. If it has happened before Cleveland Police community safety department will become involved and referrals to other agencies could follow.

"This is an initiative which can only be of benefit to young people, their families and policing in Middlesbrough,'' said Supt Strange.

The strategy has been put together by the Justice Support Project, Barnado's Sexual Exploitation of Children on the Streets project and social services