Runaways placed at risk by lack of safe havens - report

The report published today by the Children's Society claims one in six of the county's runaways are forced to sleep rough.

The charity says a shortage of refuges means children are being put at risk of serious harm.

The national survey of 10,000 children aged 14 to 16 was conducted with the help of the University of York.

It found that two thirds of runaways were not reported missing by their parents or carers.

There are a number of missing person's schemes running in North Yorkshire, but children can only be referred if they are reported missing to the police, charity workers say.

Many of the children had fled to escape family conflict, bullying, abuse or neglect.

The report has been published to mark the start of the Children's Society's Safe and Sound Week, which aims to raise awareness of the problem of young runaways.

The charity is calling for a national network of refuges for runaway children.

It says there are only three designated refuges containing just ten beds to cater for the 100,000 British children who run away every year.

Mark Lee, the society's regional director for the north, said: "Ten refuge beds is not enough.

"Unless the Government urgently funds a national network of refuges for runaways, thousands more children will slip into the hands of dangerous adults and are at risk of serious harm and exploitation."

Bob Reitemeier, the charity's chief executive, said: "The number of children who aren't reported missing is alarmingly high.

"If the police are not alerted, and children stay away from home, they will be left seeking help from adults who may harm, hurt, abuse and exploit them.

"We need to offer them a safe alternative and that's why we need these refuges."

A petition signed by more than 100,000 people will be delivered to Downing Street by a group of young runaways today.

The campaign is being backed by celebrities including Helena Bonham Carter, Will Young and the casts of Coronation Street and Emmerdale.