Which element is part of the definition of a runaway?

Which element is part of the definition of a runaway?

• A. A NYS resident under the age of 16 who runs away from home
• B. A NYS resident under the age of 18 who runs away from home
• C. A non-resident under 16 who runs away from home
• D. A NYS resident under the age of 16 who misses home

Answer: (A)

Runaway status in this context hinges on two elements: residency in New York State and being under 16, with the person leaving home without permission. Because the definition specifies a NYS resident under 16 who runs away from home, the option that matches both the residency and the younger age, along with the act of leaving home, is the correct one. The other statements don’t fit: extending the age to under 18 broadens who counts as a runaway beyond the defined cutoff; being a non-resident isn’t covered by NYS rules; and simply missing home isn’t the same as actively running away.

Runaway status in this context hinges on two elements: residency in New York State and being under 16, with the person leaving home without permission. Because the definition specifies a NYS resident under 16 who runs away from home, the option that matches both the residency and the younger age, along with the act of leaving home, is the correct one. The other statements don’t fit: extending the age to under 18 broadens who counts as a runaway beyond the defined cutoff; being a non-resident isn’t covered by NYS rules; and simply missing home isn’t the same as actively running away.