2018 National Runaway Prevention Month

Objectives Community and local stakeholders will… Understand the importance of supporting runaway and homeless youth. Recognize the importance of the services provided by the National Runaway Safeline. Learn the importance of supporting and increasing awareness about National Runaway Prevention Month. Identify ways they can support NRPM.

The Issue of Runaway and Homeless Youth1 1 in 30 adolescent minors (13-17) endures some form of homelessness in a year.* 1 in 10 young adults (18-25) endures some form of homelessness in a year.* *This includes running away, being kicked out, and couch surfing

National Runaway Safeline (NRS) 2017 Crisis Contact Data2 Youth Status Top 5 Issues Identified Youth in Crisis 39% Contemplating Running 31% Runaway 16% Homeless 9% Throwaway 5% Total Youth on the Street 30% Family Dynamics 33% Emotional/Verbal Abuse 11% Peer/Social Issues 10% Mental Health 8% Physical Abuse/Assault 7%

National Runaway Safeline Services Trauma Informed Solution Focused Crisis intervention Information and Referrals Conference Calls Message Service Home Free Family Reunification and Transportation Program 1800RUNAWAY.org: Interactive Live Chat Crisis forum and email Text “HELP” to 66008 Free educational, prevention and promotional materials

What is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM)? National Runaway Prevention Month is the annual awareness and prevention campaign for runaway and homeless youth issues. Every November, participants across the country host activities and events that highlight the experiences of runaway and homeless youth and the role everyone plays in ending youth homelessness. By highlighting available resources, NRPM creates a stronger safety net for at-risk and homeless youth and provide a source of light, hope and support for young people across the country. By supporting National Runaway Prevention Month you show America’s runaway and homeless youth that they are not invisible and they are not alone.

National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) The goals of the campaign are: To raise awareness of the runaway and homeless youth crisis and the issues that these young people face. To educate the public about solutions and the role they can play in ending youth homelessness.

National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) The theme of NRPM 2018 is “Shine A Light.” NRPM is shining a light on the issues runaway and homeless youth face. NRPM is shining a light on important resources available for youth in crisis. NRPM is bringing communities together to provide safe and caring environments for youth. NRPM with the support of community organizations can show America’s runaway and homeless youth that they are not alone.

National Runaway Prevention Month Events November 1st: Facebook Profile Picture - supporters to add a “Shine A Light” filter to their Facebook profile picture. Tuesday, November 6th: Wear Green Day - wear green and then for added impact take a picture alone or with a group and post on social media using the hashtags #NRPM2018 and #endyouthhomelessness.

National Runaway Prevention Month Events Tuesday, November 13th: Light the Night - host a candlelight vigil in your community to “Shine a Light” on the issue and show solidarity with youth in crisis. Tuesday, November 20th: Teachable Tuesday Online Campaign - NRS will have current runaway and homeless youth statistics available for individuals and organizations to share through Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts to raise awareness of runaway and homeless youth issues. Participate in NRS’ Live Twitter Chat on November 29th at 2pm CDT.

Ways to Get Involved Develop a runaway display for a public area Order and distribute outreach materials Host a fundraiser Write an op-ed Facilitate Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum modules Conduct a community presentation Involve your local government Participate in the Green Light Project Promote 1-800-RUNAWAY on social media and websites Follow NRS on social media Show NRS’ PSAs and videos Download the 2018 National Runaway Prevention Month Toolkit and Messaging Guide from 1800RUNAWAY.org to learn more about ways to get involved!

Resources Available Educational and Outreach Materials NRS provides free posters, brochures, and wallet cards for agencies looking to do additional outreach at https://www.1800runaway.org/free-promotional-materials Download the free Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum at https://www.1800runaway.org/runaway-prevention-curriculum-sign-up Access National Runaway Prevention Month information at https://www.1800runaway.org/nrpm/ And more such as trend reports, statistics and NRS information YouTube Channel Includes NRS’ PSAs, outreach, and informational videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/NRS1800RUNAWAY

Resources Available: Runaway Prevention Curriculum Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum is a 14 module curriculum to educate young people about alternatives to running away as well as to build life skills so that youth can resolve problems without resorting to running away or unsafe behavior. The curriculum has been used in settings such as: Schools Youth Groups Community Centers Afterschool clubs This curriculum is available to download in English and Spanish: English: https://www.1800runaway.org/runaway-prevention-curriculum-sign-up/ Spanish: https://www.1800runaway.org/hablemos-lets-talk-en-espanol/

Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum Example Module: Personal Influences It’s important for youth to be able to identify the people in their lives that they can rely on for support. In this module participants are asked to identify “influential others”, both positive and negative, and the role they play in their decision-making process. Participants are asked to imagine a bus with the people who are most important when it comes to making decisions about their lives. They then respond to discussion questions such as: Are these people/groups you can count on when you are in trouble or in need? Do you feel good about the decisions they help you make? What does that mean for you? Download all 14 modules at 1800runaway.org/runaway-prevention-curriculum-sign-up

Resources Available: PSAs Visit https://www.youtube.com/NRS1800RUNAWAY for more PSAs and videos to use

Resources Available: Statistics NRS provides several sources of data and statistics from its Crisis Hotline and Online Services: Crisis Hotline & Online Service Statistics from the National Runaway Safeline: https://www.1800runaway.org/runaway-statistics/crisis-hotline-online-services-statistics/ NRS’ Crisis Connections Trend Reports: https://www.1800runaway.org/homeless-teen- research/

Resources Available: Promotional Materials NRS offers promotional materials free of charge. Materials include: Posters Brochures Wallet Cards Bookmarks Download or order materials at: https://www.1800runaway.org/free-promotional-materials/

How to Use These Resources Use NRS’ data to discuss runaway and homeless youth issues with your community, organizations and peers. Spread the Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum to your local schools and discuss at your next PTA meeting or after school programs. Share NRS PSAs and services on your social channels to amplify runaway and homeless youth issues through your online networks. Distribute NRS’ free posters, wallet cards, bookmarks and more in your communities.

References Morton, M.H., Dworsky, A., & Samuels, G.M. (2017). Missed opportunities: Youth homelessness in America. National estimates. Chicago, IL: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. http://voicesofyouthcount.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/11/ChapinHall_VoYC_NationalReport_Final.pdf Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, Family and Youth Services Bureau, 2016 National Runaway Safeline Crisis Contacts Report. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/resource/2016-crisis-contacts-report-0 Published: November 2, 2017