Safe Places for Runaways to Go

Teens run away from home for a number of reasons, including family problems, abuse and school pressure. Sometimes young girls get pregnant, and feel that their only alternative is to leave home. The idea of leaving home presents a problem for young people who are too young to get full time jobs or support themselves. These runaways are vulnerable and can easily be taken advantage of if they don't have a safe place to go for food and shelter.

  1. With Friends or Family

    • Young people may feel better about sharing their troubles with a trusted family member.

      A young person who runs away from home may decide to go to the home of a trusted family member or friend. Staying with someone familiar can be a lot less scary than going to a shelter where virtually everyone is a stranger. Friends and family may be able to communicate with the child's parents, and help facilitate a reunion with more ease than a caseworker who is meeting the child for the first time.

    Teen Homeless Shelters

    • There are homeless shelters for teens where they can be safe until they find more permanent housing.

      There are homeless shelters for teens all around the country that can be a safe haven until a more permanent source of housing can be located. An added benefit of these shelters is that they also provide counseling in addition to food and shelter. Many homeless shelters have the goal of family reunification, but depending on the situation that caused the young person to run away from home, can also assist with other housing options for the child.

    Homes for Pregnant Teens

    • Young runaways who are pregnant can get proper care in homes for expectant teens.

      Sometimes teenage girls run away from home because they are pregnant. This is a particularly vulnerable situation for a young woman because in addition to needing food and shelter, she also needs medical attention during her pregnancy. Fortunately, there are housing programs for pregnant teens that will allow her to stay until the baby comes, and a few months after. Caseworkers then assist in finding permanent housing and other support services for the new mom and baby.

    Safe Places

    • Safe Places are designated areas runaways can go to get immediate assistance. There are networks of safe places in most communities that include businesses, schools, libraries, and other public places that are easily accessible. Safe Places can be identified by the black and yellow signs that are displayed in a highly visible area. Families should let their children be aware of where the Safe Places in their communities are, because in addition to serving runaways, they can also be a safe place to go if a child becomes separated from their parents for other reasons.

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