Children run away from home in the United States primarily due to abuse, neglect, and severe family conflict, often fueled by issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, and divorce. Other common reasons include being kicked out, mental health struggles, and problems at school or with peers. 

Significant reasons for running away

• Abuse and neglect: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect are significant drivers for children running away.
• Family crisis: Issues like domestic violence, substance abuse within the family, parental divorce, or the death of a family member can make the home feel unsafe.
• Family conflict: General conflicts and high stress in the home are prevalent reasons, with a large percentage of runaways reporting conflicts with parents or guardians.
• Being kicked out: Some children are forced to leave their homes by parents or guardians.
• Mental health and identity: Struggling with mental health, being rejected for their sexual orientation, or dealing with other social pressures are also risk factors.
• School and peer issues: Problems at school, such as failing or being bullied, and peer pressure, can lead a child to leave home.