(Williams, Z. 2018)

Differences and opinions about Thrownaway and Runaway

Is this the solution to 'throwaway kids'?

Homeless Youth

According to the UN definition of youth, youth are people between the ages of 15 and 24. It is a transitional age in which adolescents learn skills in order to transition into adulthood. Many of the skills needed come from the first social group they are a part of: family. The way youth interacts with his or her family can have significant consequences in their lives. Unfortunately, when those interactions are negative it can set up the youth for undesirable outcomes later in life. One of many undesirable outcomes is homelessness.

Runaways and throwaways make a big part of the homeless youth population. Youth runaway as a last resort. They are running away from abusive or neglecting parents or caregivers and think they will find a better life on their own. Throwaways are youth who were purposely kicked out from the home. Both can occur when there is disagreement in the family; especially when the child is used as a scapegoat. The youth may not necessarily be the reason for the family problems but putting the blame on them allows others to not take responsibility. Tensions may lead to disagreements and fights, and if the child is old enough, they may runaway or be kicked out. Once on the streets, most of these youth do not have the life skills and resources to make it on their own which can lead to homelessness.

Runaways & Throwaways; There is a difference?

The words "runaway" and "throwaway" involves leaving home for live in the streets, but not in the same way, that could be the main difference between them.

"Runaway" involves leaving home for your own decision, as a fugitive.

• "Throwaway" involves leaving home due to rejection, ejection or abandonment by parents or guards.
  

Runaway Prevention is Key

November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM). As a parent, it’s important for you to be aware of the runaway and homeless youth crisis and the issues that these young people face, as well as to learn about solutions and the role you can play in preventing and ending youth homelessness.

If all the influential people in your child’s life work together, you and they can help prevent the situations that could compel your child to run away from home. A first step is assisting your child in discovering the delicate balance of life-saving skills:

• Awareness—what it means to run away and why running away will not solve his problems;
• Resources—how to build a safety net of trusted people and organizations to turn to for help;
• Communication—how to speak and listen effectively; and,
• Stress Management—how to reduce or manage stressors and solve problems.

You can also help your child’s friends, classmates and other youth who may have run away or are contemplating it. If you recognize they are going through a tough time, share with them that help is available through organizations like the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), the go-to resource for runaway, homeless, throwaway and at-risk youth and their families.  Its free and confidential 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline and 1800RUNAWAY.org online services, provide support and access to resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Youth can also text the short code: 66008, to receive an automatic response featuring links to the hotline or live chat.

Professional opinion of NRS Executive Director (Maureen Blaha)

Who is "Maureen Blaha"?

Maureen Blaha is the executive director of the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), the federally-designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth.  Under her leadership the visibility of NRS and awareness of its 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline has grown, while support has steadily increased in both personnel and finances. Several key accomplishments have been realized during Blaha’s tenure including: a program focused on runaway prevention called Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum; a comprehensive trend data report of crisis calls to 1-800-RUNAWAY used to educate and raise awareness about the runaway crisis in America; “Runaway Youth Longitudinal Study 2011” research that identifies the long-term effects of running away as a youth, which can be used to better educate and encourage parents, teachers and other adults to get involved, address the issues, and ultimately prevent a runaway situation; and National Runaway Prevention Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the issues facing runaway youth and to educate youth, families and the public about resources available to prevent youth from running away.  Additionally, Blaha has been a featured speaker of the Special Victims Assistance Unit for the FBI (2005 and 2010), was invited to speak to UK parliament to help launch The Children's Society of England's national Safe and Sound Campaign (2005) and represented the runaway population at the groundbreaking White House Conference on Missing, Exploited and Runaway Children (2002).  Blaha was selected as the recipient of the CASA of Cook County 2010 Spirit Award and selected to participate in the Laura and John Arnold Giving Library for high-end donors. Blaha serves on the Interstate Commission for Juveniles, appointed in 2009.