What type of juvenile offense is committed by a fifteen-year-old who runs away from home?

A fifteen-year-old who runs away from home would typically be charged with an unruly offense. In juvenile justice terminology, an unruly juvenile is someone who has committed an offense that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. Running away from home fits this category because it reflects behavior that is often considered problematic but does not constitute a serious criminal act, thus falling outside the realm of delinquent offenses.

The distinction here is important: while delinquent behaviors are those that would be crimes for adults, unruly behaviors are those that more specifically pertain to issues with parental authority and supervision. In Tennessee, running away from home is classified as unruly because it represents a violation of laws intended to ensure parental control and the welfare of the juvenile.

Understanding this classification is crucial for those working in juvenile justice, education, and social services, as it indicates a need for intervention and support rather than purely punitive measures.