Councils will be expected to identify children at risk of running away and have arrangements in place to help young runaways, including emergency accommodation.
But the Department for Children, Schools and Families has not announced any extra money for councils to help them fulfil the terms of the plan.
Local authorities will also be expected to conduct a return interview with every young person, setting out their reasons for running away and addressing them.
A new national indicator will be introduced and councils will have to gather information on running away to make sure there is enough local support, which will include working with the voluntary sector.
Junior children's minister Kevin Brennan said: "It is vital we work together to spot the warning signs and make sure young people get the help they need to resolve their problems before they decide to run.
"Children in care are particularly vulnerable and are three times more likely to run away - often to be closer to friends and families."
He said this would be addressed through the Children and Young Persons Bill, which would put a duty on councils to allow children in care to live near their homes as long as it was reasonably practical.
Brennan also announced 10 local authorities would get a share of nearly £5m to help children stay in care beyond the age of 18.
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