Let's Talk: Prevention Tools for Working with At-Risk Youth

Let’s Talk: Prevention Tools for Working with At-

Risk Youth

Lindsey KahneyPrevention Specialist National Runaway Safeline

What do you think when you hear the term “At-Risk”?

Teens and Stress

Teens Stress CrisisResources

National Runaway Safeline

Mission: To Keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets

NRS Services

1-800-RUNAWAY• Confidential 24/7 hotline• Non-judgmental/non-directive• Trauma-informed, solution

focused intervention• Conference Call and Message

Service

1800runaway.org• Interactive live chat• Crisis forum and email services• Text Services – connect to hotline• Areas of Info and tips for youth,

parents and educators• Comprehensive Research• Order free prevention and

education materials

Information and Referral Services

NRS maintains a national database of over 9,000 agencies and services Emergency and long-term housing Basic Needs – food, clothing, etc.. Transportation Treatment – health, mental health, substance abuse

Home Free Program

Partnership with Greyhound Lines Reunites runaway youth 12-17 with parent/guardian Assists runaway and homeless youth 18-21 in stabilizing

themselves with supportive family member and/or independent living programs; this includes survivors of human trafficking

Identify or accept referral to local supportive services

Curriculum Goals: Build life skills Educate about alternatives to running away Encourage youth to access and seek help

from trusted community members Increase knowledge about

runaway/homeless/at-risk youth resourcesAudience: Youth ages 12-20Where is it being used: Schools, Youth Groups, Afterschool, Youth

shelters, juvenile justice services, community centers

AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

Download for FREE at 1800runaway.org

14 Modules

Communication and ListeningPeers and Healthy Relationships

Families – Roles and ResponsibilitiesRunaway RealityAnger Management

Community Response and ResponsibilityInternet Safety and Fun Sexuality & Sexual Orientation

Activity Review: What Flips Your Switch

Allows youth to identify what are there anger triggers and how they look and feel when they are angry

Who’s On Your Bus?Directions: THINK about if you could fill a bus with the people in your life who are most important when it comes to making decisions about your life, who would be on that bus?

Activity Review: Decision Tree

Assists youth in gaining problem solving skills and

Facilitation Tips

Establish classroom guidelines for behavior – create a safe space

Always review the module prior to facilitating – take note of the module icons

Allow youth to participate as they feel comfortable – offer different options

Consider room layout, especially for specific activities Be a good listener, and remember silence is okay! Be prepared for some conversations to bring up issues for some

youth

Let’s Talk Curriculum Benefits

Can be implemented by activity, module or in its entirety – very user friendly and adaptable

Provides additional resources, worksheets and handouts for learning

Pre/Post Tests available Can lend to leadership opportunities for youth/peer-led learning Support life skills acquisition and prevention efforts Can be included in service learning, as well as a complement to

existing curricula NRS offers technical assistance to all RPC users

Information We Collect

Pre/Post Test from agencies utilizing any parts of the curriculum

Group Demographic formsSatisfaction Surveys

Incentives available for those returning demographic forms and/or tests

KIDS CALL ACTIVITY• Allows sites nationwide to welcome

NRS into their group at no charge

• Allows youth to ask questions and learn more about NRS services

• Alleviates the anxiety of calling the hotline

• Groups can even do a mock call!

@1800RUNAWAY

National Runaway Safeline

Lindsey KahneyPrevention Specialist773.289.1723

3141 B N Lincoln AvenueChicago IL 60657prevention@1800RUNAWAY.org

1-800-RUNAWAY (24-hour hotline) 1800RUNAWAY.org (website)