Each year, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) makes over 125,000 connections with young people through their hotline and digital services. Their free, confidential, non-judgmental and non-directive crisis intervention services and resources are aimed at preventing runaway incidents and supporting youth experiencing homelessness nationwide.
The latest NRS Crisis Services & Prevention Report, developed in collaboration with researchers at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, highlights the needs of those who reached out for crisis services throughout 2021, including many young people who contemplated running away, were homeless, or were at risk of becoming homeless. The report focuses on the characteristics of those who contacted NRS, the channels through which these individuals connected with NRS, the problems identified that warranted crisis intervention, and how connections with NRS differed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This virtual discussion will share the key findings from the 2021 Crisis Services & Prevention Report, and consider the implications of these findings on the prevention and intervention strategies implemented by organizations and agencies serving vulnerable youth. Presenters will discuss the needs of young people who contemplated running away, were experiencing homelessness, or were at risk of becoming homeless and how youth programs, public health providers, schools, child welfare agencies, and communities nationwide can meet the needs of youth.
