These hearings present a performance review of and information about the Federal administration of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, which assists 169 centers for runaways throughout the country. The centers provide emergency shelter and family mediation for many of the youngsters who run away or who are directed to leave home by their parents. Testimony and prepared statements are presented from several witnesses including personnel from the General Accounting Office Institute for Program Evaluation; the Administration for Children, Youth and Families; a program director; and Datson Rader, writer and researcher. Witnesses' testimony includes a review of 17 programs for runaway youths, an overview of the National Program for Homeless and Runaway Youth, an outline of organizations involved in development and implementation of the National Program for Homeless and Runaway Youth, and recommendations for financial support of the program. An extensive appendix contains supportive letters, newspaper articles, a facsimile guide for helping runaway youths in transportation centers, and excerpts from a report on runaway youths published by the National Conference of State Legislatures. (AG)