2005 NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD MID-YEAR STATISTICS UNCOVER ALARMING ISSUES FACING TODAY’S YOUTH AND FAMILIES

NRS Handles More Than 35,260 Youth Related Crisis Calls

CHICAGO (September 6, 2005) – Of more than 35,260 calls handled by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) during the first half of 2005, an alarming 52 percent dealt directly with a youth in crisis or someone helping a youth in crisis.

“That’s more than 18,300 youth related crisis calls in only six months,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director.  “According to our call center data, today’s youth are struggling with family dynamic issues such as divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings and extended family members.  It’s clear that NRS is a valuable resource to thousands of youth who are struggling each day.”

The national non-profit organization reports that data collected from the more than 35,260 calls between January and June of 2005, revealed the following:

• 54 percent of youth callers reported being a runaway, throwaway or homeless
• 71 percent of youth who were away from home said they had been away from home for 1-7 days
• Calls with females occurred 76 percent of the time
• 46 percent of the calls were with youth in a crisis or seriously considering running from home
• Of youth who had run away, 65 percent said this was their first time running from home

The youth’s situation at the time of the call:

• 54 percent – on the street as a runaway, throwaway or homeless youth
• 35 percent – dealing with a crisis situation
• 11 percent – contemplating running from home

Time the youth has been away from home (on the street, with a friend, at a youth shelter):

• 51 percent were on the street 1-3 days
• 20 percent were on the street 4-7 days
• 12 percent were on the street 1-4 weeks
• 8 percent were gone one to two months
• 4 percent were gone two to six months
• Nearly 5 percent were away from home more than six months

The longer a youth is away from home the chances of reunification with his or her family decrease considerably

Problems identified by callers:

• 37 percent – family dynamics such as divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings and extended family members
• 12 percent – peer or social concerns such as peer pressure, gang issues, dating and relationships
• 10 percent – youth services issues– a relationship with a social worker, placement in alternative housing, involvement with state social services systems or alternate housing
• 9 percent – school or educational problems

Average number of issues addressed per crisis call:

• Four problems discussed
• Nearly five possible solutions outlined
• Two referrals for additional services (many referrals provided via a conference call between the youth and the referral site)

Reported age identified by the caller:

• 77 percent of youth callers are between 14 and 18 years old
• Gender of the caller:
• 76 percent female
• 24 percent male

How youth survived while away from home:

• 49 percent – help from a friend or relative
• 8 percent – shelter or soup kitchen
• 7 percent – personal funds

Top five states where NRS handles crisis calls:

• California – 7,852 calls
• Illinois – 5,398 calls
• Texas – 4,372 calls
• Florida – 3,317 calls
• New York – 2,045 calls

How youth obtained the NRS crisis hotline number:

• 34 percent – from the phone company
• 20 percent – from a social service agency
• 10 percent – word of mouth

NRS partnership with Greyhound Lines:

• During the first half of 2005, the NRS Home Free program, a partnership with Greyhound Lines, Inc., continued to help runaway youth.  On average per month 41 bus tickets were issued, 35 of these were out of state tickets
• A monthly average of 36 youth disclosed that they left home for predominantly family dynamic reasons
• On average 25 females and 16 males utilize the Home Free program monthly

NRS has a national database containing more than 17,000 resources and a referral library providing an additional 200,000 references.  More than 150 volunteers staff the toll free 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline.  Before taking their first call, volunteers must complete an intense 36.5 hour training program which includes classroom and experiential training.  The crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day for youth, parents, friends and other concerned parties.  Additional resources are also available at www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.  Recognized as the oldest youth crisis hotline in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, has handled more than 3 million calls in its 34-year history and handles an average of 115,000 calls annually.  NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.  For more information visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.