How can we help runaway teens?

Question

How can we help runaway teens?

Answer 1

Why THIS category for this question?

The problem of teen runaways often goes back to them being abused/mistreated at home.Opening shelters/donating to existing shelters,and trying to get the families in psychotherapy can help.

Answer 2

Provide them with maps and decent waterproof clothing.

Answer 3

Work  on getting healthier families so you have fewer runaways.

Talk to teens that have not run away, get them to understand the problems they will face, and put some thought into how to fix their present situation or find a better one without getting onto the street.

There is nothing very productive about waiting until the kids are on the street before taking action.

Kids contemplating leaving home should all know of someone who will help them. There always is someone willing, but not always someone that should be asked. Kids need to be finding out those things well before they act.

Answer 4

Invest in Safe Houses, properly staffed with qualified people that have been vetted. Give the kids somewhere to go - somewhere to be and some one to talk to in safety. Stop kids from having to sleep on streets and being drawn into prostitution to survive.

Answer 5

Check out this:

http://www.the-alternative.org.uk

See: Project it

for details of new-style affordable housing

(ideal to help teenagers gain independence etc).

Also see:

Chapter 1: Education / The Breakdown of the Family

Chapter 3: Architecture / Modern

(for more details re: modern materials etc).

Answer 6

Give there parents a bloody good talking to!!!

Answer 7

You could start by putting this Q in a more appropriate section.