They kept it that long as it had to coincide with RND.. yes I agreed about the running away is not always the answer.. but that is what a lot of teens feel or there would be such a focus on this.
As for awareness, Janine did her part in this.. Ricky was always aware and did want her back home.. 1st time is was Carol who stopped it when Ricky got through to her and 2nd time was Janine telling her that she was not wanted... As a teen, if you feel you are not wanted at home, where do you go to??
Parents need to be aware and perhaps this is also part of this storyline.. Parents, by watching this, might be come more aware of how their teens are behaving and try talk to them about this..
In a sense Whitney didn't really run away.. she went of for a weekend with Rob and he manipulated her to stay and do what she is doing.. It is not like she just packed a bag and was picked up off the street.