National Runaway Switchboard reports a more than 200 percent increase in crisis calls from or about a youth identifying economics as a reason for reaching out for help

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) is reporting an increase of more than 200 percent since 2006 in the number of crisis calls to its 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline from or about youth who identify economics as one of the reasons for their call. Meanwhile, the majority of crisis calls continue to be from 15 to 17 year olds (52 percent in 2008), and the number of crisis callers age 18 to 21 has increased by more than 500 percent since 2000.

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The information is presented in the second annual National Runaway Switchboard Crisis Caller Trends report released today by the non-profit organization, which serves as the federally designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the U. S. reached 9.8 percent in September. Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director, said the increase in older youth calling the crisis line is most likely related to the economic downturn.

"These older youth may have been able to get by in the past, but with the scarcity of jobs, it's possible they are turning to crisis lines like NRS' for help surviving," she said.

Blaha noted that NRS defines youth as young people through 21 years old. Other findings in the report:

• Youth are resorting to panhandling and stealing in order to survive at significantly higher rates than in 2007 with panhandling up 57 percent and stealing up 25 percent.
• The number of calls from throwaway youth increased 15 percent from 2007 to 2008 and 40 percent since 2006. Throwaway youth are individuals who have been forced to leave their home by their parent or guardian.
• Crisis calls from or about a youth aged 18 to 20 increased 16 percent from 2007 to 2008 and 107 percent since 2006.
• The number of youth reporting abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, neglect) as a problem in 2008 declined nine percent from the previous year. However, abuse figures have risen 63 percent since 2000.
  

To view the full report and for more information, visit http://www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

SOURCE National Runaway Switchboard

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