Fact Sheet: National Communications System: The National Runaway Switchboard
The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) is a national communications system that assists youth who have run away, or are considering running away, and their families. With its database of more than 16,000 resources, NRS links youth and families across the country to shelters, counseling, medical assistance, and other vital services. Striving to be one-stop resource for youth in crisis, NRS offers a range of services.
Hotline
The NRS hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, handling more than 100,000 calls annually. More than half of youth crisis callers are on the street. They have run away or been thrown out of the house—and they don’t know what to do. NRS helps in the following ways:
•Crisis Intervention: Front line staff and volunteers complete 40 hours of in-depth training, through which they develop active listening skills and learn to use a solution-based crisis intervention model.
•Information and Referrals: NRS locates local resources and makes appropriate referrals to meet each caller’s needs.
•Three-Way Conference Calls: NRS initiates calls between youth and their parents or guardians, staying on the line to mediate the discussion. NRS also initiates calls between youth and social service protection agencies, and between adults and organizations that can help resolve their problems.
•Message Relay: When youth and their parents or guardians are not yet ready for one-on-one interactions, they may take the first step toward reconnecting with each other by leaving messages with NRS.
•Advocacy: The NRS front line team advocates for youth and ensures they get support and guidance from authorities, school administrators, social service agencies, and medical and legal professionals.
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For More Information
The National Runaway Switchboard
3080 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
Hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY or (800) 621 4000
Hotline TDD: (800) 621 0394
Administrative Telephone: (773) 880-9860
Fax: (773) 929 5150
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E-mail: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:04 pm