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Frequently Asked Questions
Who
is NRS?
We are the federally-designated national communication system (hotline
and website) for runaway and homeless youth. Kids and family members
– parents, siblings, other relatives –call at all times
to work through problems and find others – agencies, organizations
-- who can help. Some callers just need someone to talk to, others
need help finding a shelter, food, medical assistance, or counseling.
Some callers are on the streets, others are struggling with other
issues and we work with them to identify options to prevent them
from leaving their home, when possible and if appropriate.
In 1971, we began as Metro-Help, a metropolitan Chicago
crisis hotline for runaway youth. In 1974 we received a grant from
the federal government to broaden our reach and demonstrate the
need for national services. At the time we handled 11,000 calls.
Today, we handle more than 110,000 calls.
What
is the mission of NRS?
To facilitate relationships that ensure youth and families have
access to resources in their communities.
What
Does NRS Value?
We value . . .
- Providing education and solution-focused interventions
- Offering Non-sectarian, non-judgmental support
- Respecting confidentiality
- Collaborating with volunteers
- Responding 24 hours a day
Who
makes up NRS?
We have 17 paid staff members (12 full-time, 5 part-time), between
15 and 20 board members, and more than 100 volunteers.
Who
uses NRS?
During 2001: 46% of the callers were youth; 54% of the callers were
parents/concerned adults.
Youth: The majority (63%) of the youth who call us are on the streets
either as runaways, throwaways, or homeless. The next largest group
(37%) of the youth are either thinking about running away or are
in crisis.
Adults: Parents whose children have already run away,
parents who are struggling with out-of-control children, and others
concerned with kids such as teachers, law enforcement personnel,
agency staff, and siblings and other relatives.
What
services does NRS provide?
- Crisis Line
- Message Relay
- Conference Calling
- Home Free (in partnership with Greyhound Lines)
- Prevention/Education/Outreach
- Web Site
- Information and Referral
Does
NRS find kids?
No. Our main concern is the safety and health of our callers. If
parents call asking for help in finding their kids, we can refer
them to local police departments and national organizations such
as National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for additional
support.
How
many kids run away each year?
Hard to tell . . . the most comprehensive study done in 1989 by
the Government Accounting Office indicates 1.3 million kids are
on the street each year. The Children’s Defense Fund cites
approximately 1200 youth run away each day. An estimated 2.8 million
youth living in the United States reported a runaway experience
during the prior year (Research Triangle Institute 1995).
What
kind of statistics does NRS gather?
Although our services are anonymous and confidential we ask callers
for age, gender, status at the time of call, means of survival,
time on the street, whereabouts of youth, and how the caller heard
about us. In addition we identify problems and discuss options available
based on the callers’ comfort level and area resources. However,
callers disclose only as much information as they wish. We also
collect statistics on the number of calls received from each state,
and can provide regional statistics on the issue.
Is
there a typical runaway?
No. Kids from every socio-economic area run away from home. One
in every 7 will run away at least once before age 18--in a classroom
of 35 kids, 5 will run away at least once. Most callers to the switchboard
are girls and the average age is 16.
Why
do kids run away?
Our statistics show us that the majority (40+%) of callers identify
family dynamics as the leading reason for leaving. Family dynamics
includes: divorce, remarriage, step/blended families, problems with
family rules, discipline, or problems with siblings. Often kids
leave to remove themselves from an immediately painful situation,
but with no plans for what to do next.
How
can I help NRS?
You can help in many ways – volunteer your time, make a financial
contribution, distribute educational and promotional materials in
schools and communities, donate gift certificates to restaurants,
ballgames, theatre.
Where
is NRS located? Is Chicago your only office?
The call center and administrative office are co-located in Chicago
(our only location). Because our database is so comprehensive, our
ability to provide community-based referrals makes us seem local.
Are
your services only available for runaway, homeless and throwaway
youth?
No. A child who runs away has a tremendous impact on the community
– family, school, friends. While we can provide referrals
to shelter, food, and medical/legal assistance for runaway and homeless
youth, prevention is one of our goals. Being available to a youth
who needs someone to talk to may change his/her initial plan to
leave home. Problem solving with a frustrated parent can change
the dynamics of a family issue. Our services are available for siblings
who are caught in the middle of, or feeling neglected because of,
what’s going on at home. Teachers, agency personnel, law enforcement
officers – anyone concerned about the well being of a youth
– are encouraged to call
Where
does NRS get its money?
We receive funding from the government, foundations, corporations,
and individuals. We also receive many in-kind donations from businesses.
How
are volunteers trained?
Before taking call #1, each “liner” must complete a
30-hour training program including classroom and experiential training.
Who
do I talk to for additional information?
Executive Director
Our Executive Director can be reached at 773-880-9860, ext. 212
or by mblaha@nrscrisisline.org.
If you're interested in fundraising, special events
or making a donation:
Our Director of Development & Communications can be reached
at 773-880-9860, ext. 223 or by kchuckas@nrscrisisline.org.
Programming
Our Director of Programs can be reached at 773-880-9860, ext. 219 or
by g-vance@nrscrisisline.org.
Media/Public Relations and Statistics
Our Communications Specialist can be reached at 773-880-9860, ext.
220 or by moldham@nrscrisisline.org.
Resources/Database
Our Resource/Database Coordinator can be reached at 800-344-2785
or by
s-gaines@nrscrisisline.org.
Volunteering
Our Volunteer Coordinator can be reached at 773-880-9860, ext. 218
or by billette@nrscrisisline.org.
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