1. 2018 National Runaway Prevention Month

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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%

5. 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
Text “HELP” to 66008
Free educational, prevention and promotional materials

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 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!

12. Resources Available Educational and Outreach Materials
NRS provides free posters, brochures, and wallet cards for agencies looking to do additional outreach at
Download the free Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum at
Access National Runaway Prevention Month information at
And more such as trend reports, statistics and NRS information
YouTube Channel
Includes NRS’ PSAs, outreach, and informational videos at

13. 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:
Spanish:

14. 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

15. Resources Available: PSAs
Visit for more PSAs and videos to use

16. 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:
NRS’ Crisis Connections Trend Reports: research/

17. Resources Available: Promotional Materials
NRS offers promotional materials free of charge.
Materials include:
Posters
Brochures
Wallet Cards
Bookmarks
Download or order materials at:

18. 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.

19. 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. content/uploads/2017/11/ChapinHall_VoYC_NationalReport_Final.pdf
Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, Family and Youth Services Bureau, National Runaway Safeline Crisis Contacts Report Published: November 2, 2017