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Every year millions of teenagers either run away from home or consider running away from home. When a teenager actually does run away there is no guarantee that they are in a safe place and not staying on the streets. In response to the number of teenagers that run away or consider running away the government set up a national switchboard that can provide a wide range of services to runaways, their family and friends and even educational providers.
The National Runaway Switchboard is a nationally funded switchboard that is set up exclusively to handle the growing number of runaways. It is a toll free 800 number that runaways can call at any time for assistance or help.
There are a number of services that the National Runaway Switchboard offers to people. Here is a look at some of the services offered.
Confidential Counseling. Whether you are considering running away or already ran away. The National Runaway Switchboard can offer trained professionals to be able to talk to. These individuals can help talk to you about any issues that you are facing or alternative measures to take other than running away. The counseling also extends to friends of runaways and their family members. Everything is 100% confidential.
Home Free Program. If you have already runaway and are looking for a way to get back home the National Runaway Switchboard can help you through a program known as the Home Free Program. This program offers runaways the ability to come home without having to face the financial burden of paying for travel expenses.
Safe Shelters. IF you have runaway and do not want to return home the National Runaway Switchboard can provide you with a list of safe shelters, food banks and resources that you can use. This will ensure that all runaways are safe and being taken care of even though they are on the streets.
