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Social Services
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November is National Runaway Prevention Month
[Posted by Juvenile Alternatives on 11/17/2005]
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National Runaway Prevention Month is a public education campaign
spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard and the National
Network for Youth to:
· Increase the awareness of the issues facing runaways, and
· Educate the public about the solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth from running away.
The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and the National Network for
Youth (NNY) have designated November as National Runaway Prevention
Month in order to increase public awareness of the life circumstances
of youth at risk of running away and the need for safe, healthy, and
productive alternatives, resources, and supports for such youth and
their families and communities. All sectors of society have a role to
play in strengthening families and providing support for youth.
National efforts put a voice to a national problem. Too many youth feel
their only option at a better life is to leave their homes and struggle
on their own.
In October 2002, President George W. Bush hosted the landmark White
House Conference on Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children. Leaders
from across the country convened to discuss challenges related to
runaway youth that our nation must face today. President Bush and other
officials acknowledged that no one sector of our society will be able
to solve the problem alone. We all need to strive to create a society
in which all youth can grow to become healthy, productive adults in a
safe environment. The responsibility to protect America's young people
is shared by all members of our society, by government at every level,
and by parents in every home.
This year, in t he 109th Congress, Congressional representatives have
taken steps to commemorate National Runaway Prevention Month in 2005.
Six representatives lead by Steve Israel (D-NY) and including Judy
Biggert (R-IL) co-sponsored House Resolution (H. Res. 484) supporting
the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.
Through their work with runaway and at-risk youth and the extensive
network of community-based organizations, NRS and NNY, know that
preventing youth from running away is possible . . . but only when
entire communities step forward in support of their young people. Youth
and families need to know that there are options and viable
alternatives to running away from home and living on the streets.
Now is the time to take action. When a youth runs away, the impact is
felt throughout the entire community. All of us - individuals,
businesses, community groups, elected officials and human service
agencies - are encouraged to participate in National Runaway Prevention
Month. Working together to identify resources and help youth develop
life skills can make the difference between a youth running away or
finding needed resources.
The community at large needs to be part of the solution and become a
partner in the development of support for young people and in efforts
to strengthen families so that they can effectively protect, nurture,
and educate their children and prepare them to become successful
adults. Join the efforts of community-based, faith-based, and public
youth service agencies who are well aware of the problems and needs of
youth in their area and are working hard to turn lives around.
The National Runaway Prevention Month toolkit found on NRS' web site,
www.1800RUNAWAY.org, provides suggestions on ways to participate and
observe National Runaway Prevention Month in your school, business, and
community. The kit is designed so that all sectors of society can
observe National Runaway Prevention Month.
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. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information
visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.
North Texas Youth Connection was founded in 1979 (under the name
Juvenile Alternatives) to address the needs of runaway and homeless
youth. Services offered have expanded and modified to keep up with the
ever-changing needs of youth and families, and now includes an
emergency shelter for homeless youth ages 10-17, free counseling for
youth ages 0-17 experiencing crisis and their family, and community
outreach programs. Services now cover 11 counties in North Texas. A
tour of the facility including shelter is scheduled for Friday,
November 18 at noon. RSVP is not required. For more information about
the agency or any of its programs, call (903) 893-4717, the 24-hour
crisis hotline at 1-800-568-7776, or visit the website at
www.ntxyouthconnection.org.
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