NCJ Number
72744
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Volunteers are shown answering telephones and relaying messages to parents in this film on the Runaway Hotline, a free nationwide hotline that also offers shelter to runaways.
Abstract
Designed for preteens, teenagers, and their parents, the film graphically describes some of the problems faced by runaways alone on the streets with few resources. It also discusses the two purposes of the Runaway Hotline, funded by a grant from the Office of the Governor of the State of Texas: to serve as a confidential message center between children and their parents and to offer food, shelter, medical help, and counseling to runaways in the areas from which they are calling. It is estimated that between 1 million and 1,500,000 young people between 10 and 17 are currently considered runaways. Runaway Hotline telephones are answered by volunteers 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Runaway Hotline toll free number nationwide is 1-800-231-6946. The film also shows interviews with several parents of runaways and emphasizes the importance of parents' sharing their problems with others. Suggested audiences include law enforcement agencies, youth groups, public libraries, social service agencies, and persons enrolled in college courses in social science, contemporary social problems, guidance, and counseling.