The National Runaway Switchboard

History Started in 1971 as Metro-

Help, a crisis line in ChicagoIn 1974 became the federally

designated communication system for runaway and homeless youth

Mission: To keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

NRS handles more than100,000 calls annually.

NRS Programs and Services

NRS Programs and Services

NRS Services and Programs:1-800-RUNAWAY:

Confidential and anonymous crisis line for runaway, throwaway, homeless and at-risk youth and their families

24-hour crisis line is toll-free and accessible from anywhere in the United States and its territories

NRS’ frontline team of staff and volunteers provide non-judgmental, non-sectarian and non-directive support, empowering callers to develop a plan of action to improve their situation.

Utilize a five step solution focused crisis intervention model: establish rapport, explore facts and feelings, focus on the main issue, elicit options, develop a plan of action/closure

NRS Services and Programs:

Information & Referrals: A database of more than 12,300 youth and family

agencies provides countless options for callers to access a myriad of services, such as counseling, shelter services, alcohol/drug treatment and child protective services.

Conference Calls: When youth request assistance contacting their

family or an agency that can help them, NRS facilitates a conference call.

The frontline team member remains on the line with the youth, advocating on their behalf

Language Interpreter service (144)

NRS Services and Programs:

Message Service: NRS maintains a message service for youth who

want to relay a message but are not ready to communicate directly with their parent.

NRS’ message service is a less intimidating means for a youth to reestablish contact with their parent/guardian and often serves as the first step toward reunification.

Additionally, parents can leave a message for their child. Parents are encouraged to call their child’s friends to let them know a message is waiting for them at 1-800-RUNAWAY.

NRS Services and Programs:

Home Free: In partnership with Greyhound Lines, Inc., NRS

helps reunite runaway youth with their families through a free bus ticket home.

Over 14,000 youth have been reunited with families through the program since 1995.

NRS Services and Programs:

Online Resourceswww.1800RUNAWAY.org offers tips, educational

materials and statisticsLive Chat provides another option for youth and teens in

crisis to access an NRS crisis intervention specialist and connect to resources such as shelter, food, medical and legal assistance.

Crisis Bulletin Board where teens can ask questions anonymously and share their thoughts and experiences

Crisis Emails provides an opportunity for youth to reach out for help using another vehicle

SwitchedOn, a web zine and blog written by teens for teens to get youth Switched-On with knowledge about their options in difficult situations

Research and caller data available on the website.

NRS Services and Programs:

Education and Promotion Materials:Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum

supports teachers and community group leaders in their efforts to help youth develop skills on how to cope with crisis situations and inform them about alternatives to running from home.  Currently in 32 states Since October 2007, about 35,000 youth (with some duplication) have

participated in various curriculum modules; some of the youth participated in the entire curriculum, while others only participated in select modules.

NRS provides educational and promotional materials free of charge to schools, communities and direct service providers. In FY11, over 400,00 pieces were distributed.

National Runaway Prevention Month (November)

NRS Services and Programs:

Volunteers Program:More than 160 volunteers serve as NRS’ lifeblood,

with most of the volunteers serving on the crisis hotline.

During FY11 238 “liners” logged over 12,000 hours

More than 190 agency wide volunteersStreet Team:

Members are ambassadors across the country promoting 1-800-RUNAWAY by distributing educational and prevention materials.

In FY11 there were over 230 members in 35 states.

NRS Collaborations and Partnerships

National Safe PlaceCovenant HouseCalifornia Youth Crisis LineNational Domestic Violence HotlineNational Dating Abuse HotlineRunaway, Homeless, Youth ,Training and Technical

Assistance Center Child Helpline International