The initiative – coming from the Department for Children, Schools and Families – explores the underlying causes of running away and sets out the roles of the authorities.

Tracy Haycox, Safe@Last's strategic runaways services director, met with MPs and other key figures at Downing Street as the plan was launched.

"This is a positive step to providing services for young people that run away from home," she said. "It's the culmination of a lot of hard work between all of the key players."

"Research has shown that very few areas have services in place for young runaways. It is very positive that the issue is becoming part of the Government's agenda."

"But we will need to deliver on this action plan if we are to ensure a safe future for this vulnerable group of children who feel they have no other choice but to run away."

Minister for Young People Kevin Brennan said agencies should identify those at risk through youth support arrangements and have out-of-hours facilities to keep young people off the streets.

He also said provision of emergency accommodation should be looked at, and runaways interviewed to find out their reasons for doing so.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls added: "The action plan is a clear demonstration that we remain committed to helping young runaways."