Tips to help runaway and at-risk youth

Although economists may have moved on, the recession’s impact on American youth is still felt. The number of young people who are turning to the streets since the recession started has increased. National Runaway Switchboard has seen a more than 200 percent increase in crisis callers to its 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline since 2006. These callers are mostly youth who identify economics.

However, there is help for those who are homeless or think of becoming homeless because of the economic downturn.

“We rely heavily on volunteers to handle crisis calls in our call center, but our network of help extends to communities around the country through our Street Team program,”Maureen Blaha is the executive director of NRS. “Anyone can go to 1800RUNAWAY.org and apply to be a Street Team member and begin helping families and youth in their community.”

Street Team is a group of teenagers and adults that raises awareness and provides information to youth who might be thinking about running away, or who have left home. The Street Team may be able to provide resources for at-risk youth, which could encourage them to seek out help when they most need it. In America, between 1.6 million and 2.8million youth flee each year. Blaha says that some youth at risk believe running away is better than reaching out for help.

Blaha gives the following tips for anyone interested in becoming a Street Team member or helping at-risk youth in their area:

* Distribute educational materials in schools, churches, community centers and local businesses.

* Encourage your child’s school to discuss running away in the classroom, and dedicate an area to house resources for youth who may need help. NRS’ Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum can be found at www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

* Coordinate a fundraising campaign, awareness initiative or education program at your school, workplace, church or community center.

* Recruit others to get involved and start a Street Team in your area.

* Use social media, such as Facebook and YouTube, to get the word out to youth in need.

* Encourage your school and local newspapers to feature an article on runaways and homelessness.

* Participate in National Runaway Prevention Month. Street Teams organize activities and events that educate the public about runaway issues and raise awareness each November.