1. The National Runaway Switchboard
 History
 Started in 1971 as Metro-Help,
a crisis line in Chicago
 In 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.

2. NRS Programs and Services

3. NRS Programs and Services

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. NRS Services and Programs:
 Online Resources
 www.1800RUNAWAY.org offers tips, educational materials and
statistics
 Live 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.

9. 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)

10. 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 volunteers
 Street 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.

11. NRS Collaborations and
Partnerships
 National Safe Place
 Covenant House
 California Youth Crisis Line
 National Domestic Violence Hotline
 National Dating Abuse Hotline
 Runaway, Homeless, Youth ,Training and Technical
Assistance Center
 Child Helpline International