Bucy describes runaway centres as major intake points for seriously depressed teens, for youths with family problems, & for those who have either been turned out by parents or have run away from home. Findings from the NYPI study published in 1984 indicate 82% of shelter users had test scores indicating psychiatric disability & 15-33% had already attempted suicide. Findings from research data obtained from several runaway centres indicate depression & suicidal tendencies are characteristic.