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National Runaway Safeline
Founded1971
Type24-hour federally designated national communications system
FocusThe National Runaway Safeline provides education and solution-focused interventions, offers non-sectarian, non-judgmental support, respects confidentiality, collaborates with volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth and their families 24 hours a day.
Location
  • Chicago
Area served
United States and territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam
Methodfree 24-hour services, expertise in all youth-related issues and as an information clearinghouse of youth services.
Executive Director
Maureen Blaha
Employees
25
Volunteers
150+
Website 1800RUNAWAY.org

The National Runaway Safeline (also known as NRS or 1-800-RUNAWAY; formerly known as the National Runaway Switchboard) is the national communications system designated by the United States federal government for runaway and homeless youth, their parents and families, teens in crisis, and others who might benefit from its services. It is confidential, anonymous, non-judgmental, non-directive, and free. The hotline number is 1-800-RUNAWAY. Calls are answered every day of the year, 24 hours a day. [1] [2]


The National Runaway Switchboard was started in 1974, in Chicago, IL., by the staff of Metro-Help, a 24 hour crisis phone line. Grants from the Playboy Foundation and the Federal Government, H.E.W., provide the funding. [3]

References

  1. ^ Bostedt, Shelbie Lynn (August 9, 2017). "Do good this week with the National Runaway Safeline". RedEye. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  2. ^ DeWitt, Kaylee (March 26, 2018). "A day in the life of a crisis hotline volunteer". Deseret News. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  3. ^ "National Runaway Switchboard | Office of Justice Programs". www.ojp.gov. Retrieved 2022-08-23.

External links