The department last year asked all authorities to draw up protocols to co-ordinate the work of agencies involved with young runaways, appoint a senior manager to oversee this work, and review progress on an annual basis. But the poll found that only 14 per cent of the 91 councils questioned had managed this. A further 35 per cent said they had managed to put protocols were in place.
Tim Lineham, assistant director of campaigns at The Children's Society, said: "These protocols are important because once they are done it will be recognised by local authorities as an issue."
The survey kick-starts The Children's Society's Safe & Sound campaign, which is calling for a national network of emergency accommodation and local services for young people who run away.
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