Police criticised for their management of runaway teenagers in the USA

Legislatures have made running away from home while under a certain age a criminal offence in some states, but this may be against federal law and the Constitution.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

A state full of religion, Oklahoma is said to be home to some of the strictest legislation in the entire country, and its police departments are reportedly strict with what-they-call "troublesome" teens. Texas is comparable and has many similarities, while other states — like New York — take a softer approach to low-level crime and teenagers hanging out past "bedtime".

Teenagers should have the right to feel independent and leave their homes as they please, many independent advocates argue. However, for any changes to be made, the state governments will have to be challenged in a federal court or the US Supreme Court, reports the media.