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.
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