A juvenile who is 12 years of age or older becomes a habitual runaway after being reported as a runaway how many times within a 365-day period?

• A. First time
• B. Second time
• C. Third time
• D. Fourth time

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is when repeated runaway behavior is treated as a formal pattern rather than isolated incidents. For a juvenile who is 12 years old or older, habitual runaway status is triggered after being reported as a runaway three times within a 365-day period. Reaching this third incident within a year indicates a continuing pattern, which prompts authorities to pursue more structured interventions, such as involvement of juvenile services or the court. The first and second runaways are generally handled through counseling or family services, but the third occurrence crosses into habitual status, signaling a need for additional action.