TROUBLED YOUTH THINK ABOUT RUNNING AWAY,
NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD HERE TO HELP

1-800-RUNAWAY, 1800RUNAWAY.org provide troubled youth with alternatives

CHICAGO  (August 16, 2005) – More than 40 percent of the phone calls to 1-800-RUNAWAY in the first six months of this year were with troubled youth between the ages of 16 and 17 years old, reports the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS).

“Thousands of troubled youth run away from home each week because they have nowhere to turn during a time of crisis,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS Executive Director.   “Research indicates youth need help making tough decisions and they will turn to people who listen.  NRS listens and offers troubled youth alternatives to running through a 24 hour, free hotline and our website www.1800RUNAWAY.org.”

Blaha continued that young people need to be involved in organizations and groups that provide support and encouragement.  “They need to be ‘connected’ in positive activities at school or with other organizations outside of school to avoid behavior problems,” she added.

How do teens get connected?  According to Elizabeth Smith, M.S., Family and Consumer Science Agent, Wyandot County, Ohio State University Extension, The Ohio State University, two important ways are to get involved in social activities and to strengthen family relationships.

Youth runaways come from all walks of life but their needs and problems are not unique.  They have problems at home, with a friend or with their boyfriend or girlfriend.  Their problems seem overwhelming and a solution can’t be seen.  Many troubled youth feel like no one cares or understands them and they feel they have nowhere to turn except to the streets.  Youth in a crisis need someone to listen to them, someone to trust them and someone to offer them alternatives other than running. For information and ideas of activities youth can do instead of running away, visit 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 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.  Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS’ Home Free program, done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.  The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.  For more information visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.