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November is National Runaway Prevention Month. It is a public
education campaign spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard
(NRS) and the National
Network for Youth (NNY) to increase the awareness
of the issues facing runaways, and educate the public about
the solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth
from running away
National efforts put a voice to this national problem. In
October 2002, President Bush hosted the landmark White House
Conference on Exploited and Runaway Children. Leaders from
across the country convened to discuss challenges related
to runaway youth that our nation must face today. The responsibility
to protect America's young people is shared by all members
of our society, by government at every level, and by parents
in every home.
In the 109th Congress, members have taken steps to commemorate
Prevention Month. Representative Jon Porter (R-NV) introduced
House Resolution 484 on October 6, 2005, with six co-sponsors;
including Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX)
to support goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention
Month. Congressman Hinojosa presented his most recent endorsement
on the floor of the House on October 25th.
Also, in October 2005, England's Children's Society invited
NRS to speak with members of the British Parliament. Spurred
by the priority the United States has placed on the needs
of runaway and homeless youth, the Children's Society is calling
on the British Government to set up a national network of
shelters for runaway children – similar to the hotline
and referral model used by NRS in the US.
When a youth runs away, the impact is felt throughout the
entire community. All of us – individuals, businesses,
community groups, teachers, elected officials, and human service
agencies – are encouraged to participate in National
Runaway Prevention Month. Working together to identify resources
and to help youth develop life skills can make the difference
between a youth running away, or a youth finding needed resources.
Contact Kelli Brower, Director of Community Relations, at
305.731.3943 or fkcsdream
@ yahoo.com
to learn more about our efforts locally.
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