Operation Peace of Mind

·RUNAWAYS!

LET SOMEONE KNOW YOU'RE ALIVE

CALL FREE

1·800·231·6946
YOU CALL US WE'LLCALL THEM
COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL
SPONSORED BY YOUR JAYCEES

OPERATION PEACE OF MIND

VIRGINIA

JAYCEE

hAJOR

EMPHASIS

OPERATION

PEACE

OF HIND

STATE CIl1\II0!Ah:

Kenneth

E. Nickell.}
2108

P. O. Box

Petersburgs Va. 23803 (0) 804 861-1"/11 (II) 80/1 861-..6973 Operation Peace of Mind is a 24 hour toll-free National Hotline Ser.vice. for runaway youths which makes jt possible for these rlln~uays to relay a message. to his or her parents ~"iLhout fear of having to reveal their. locations. All information revealed by tbe youth is confj.dential unJ.css thp. runay"ay indicates otherwise. Al]_ that is requi.red is that the caJ.l~r give some information that Hill identify him or he'L" to thc>.fardly. Wh~nevei the caller aaks or indicates a need for help, Operation Peace of Hine1 asks him to reveal his location, and then referral information is provided. In order to be effective, Operation Peace of Mind must be publicized so that runaways Hill knO\.; the number to ca]l. Jaycee chapters can provide tbis need.ed pu.blir:ity. Phone booth stickern, bumper stickers, billboard ad'lE!t tisements, public service announcementt: on television and radio, ne'(·;apc-. per articles ~ advertisements ar.d poste.rs can aU. be used to publicize the toll·· free number. HhE;never a runaway dials the toll-free number, he reaches the NationaJ Swi tchboard in Hous ton, Texas, ~7hich is staffed by experienced volunteel.personnel 24 hourn a day. A message can then be relayed to someone, and then back to the runm.;ay from the person ca:i.led. If assistance is needed, the volunteer obtains the necessary infor.nation and then refers the run':l\,a~; to the service needed. If this is not possj~le> and the youth is locat~d in Virginia, the operator will then contact Second Effort which in turn will contact the local Jaycee chapter to identify the servi:::e in that c.on::11lml ty, Thus, the runai.;ay can receive these services in a quick and. efficient ':'<1-:H~tT. Second Effort, Inc.~ P. O. Box 149, Earlysville, Va., keeps a file of services available to run<1\1/"aysin communities throughout Virginia. Yomchapter can determine the services offered in your community and forwar.d. the it1fonnation to Second Effort. Basically the name of t.he agency, a brief description of the agency and its services, phone number, and key person are needed for the file. Your chapter should keep one copy of this informa tion. Services frequcntly requested are medical, short-teTFl housing, legal aid, drug and alcohol counaeling, and/or a hot-line se~vice. Runaways can be assisted through the efforts of your Jaycee chapter. Operation Peace of Mind has been endorsed by Governor Godwin, and the Virginia Jaycees have been recognized for our participation.

IV-9

Operation Peace Of Mind ~~Runaway HotUne~~
a decorator's touch can mean the difference ... ann C. K. lambert interior designer has the experience and resources to make that difference a reality, skillful. helpful advice is always yours whether a room or entire home is involved. Call the decorating department 4772522 for an appointment ... enjoy the lasting quality of a well decorated home.

by Connie

Crenshaw Program Manager Crime and Corrections

delinquents?"

While

many

feel that

the

answer is generally laws are on theremains that status offense no, the faq books. Children can be and, in fact, are detained, often committed to the same institutions that house delinquent children. It is widely felt by those who work with troubled ch ildren that a definite void exists in the services we are able to offer. There is a system for rehabilitating delinquent children, but for the kid with family problems such as alcoholic parents or abusive parents, there is little we can do. If the child runs away technically he's bound to Court. If the Court says he must go home, despite the circumstances, he must go back to the same setting from which he ran. The next time he runs away - and the facts would indicate that this often happens he is liable to be committed to a delinquent institution. There is no middle ground. A child is either delinquent and receives treatment, or he's not delinquent and receives nothing. It seems imperative that we find the means of dealing with the troubled youth caught in the center of this continuum so that they have to become delinquent to receive services. The need for alternative home placements, programs in family counseling and temporary shelters exists in some states now. Such efforts could be handled with small amounts of money, but they do require massive doses of community support. This is true crime and problem prevention as opposed to after-the-fact rehabilitation, and while the publicity for Operation Peace of Mind is not itself a solution, it is a beginning. Look at the state of Florida as an exam pie of the challenge ahead. Last year an estimated 28,000 children on runaway status were apprehended by police in Florida. This figure approximates only one-quarter of the actual number of runaways, inferring that over 100,000 children in the state were on runaway status. Furthermore, about 40 percent (or 40,000) of these children were out-of-state residents. Translating these statistics into terms of tax dollar expenditures, some astounding figures come to light. It costs the state an average of $ 29 per day to keep a ch ild in detention, and last year approximately 8,500 runaways were detained an average of 2.7 days. The resulting cost approached $700,000 and, where the

Clarence
Mt. Jackson, Virginia

K. Lambert
Phone 477-2522

NORTHERN VIRGINIA VENDING SERVICE, INC.
Complete Automatic Vending Service Hot Food Machines Cigarettes-Cookies Candy Beverages-Milk-Coffee Industrial Feeding ~ -. .• ~

~:f
•

Operation Peace of Mind is designed to relay a message by a runaway to his parents at least letting them know he is alive and well. All information is confidential and in no way will the Peace of Mind volunteer compel the youth to reveal his location unless he is in need of help. In that case Peace of Mind is now able to refer a child to over 7000 help resources around the nation. The National Service is based in Houston, Texas and is manned by volu nteers who work in four shifts. TH E TOLL FREE NUMBER IS 1-800-231-6946. Designed primarily to act as a liaison between ru naways and parents, a ch ild on the road can call the toll free number 1-800-231-6946 and relay any message to his parents without contacting them directly or revealing h is or her location. By knowing their child is at least alive, parents might gain some peace of mind, hence the title for the program. To date, Operation Peace of Mind has handled over 3,000 calls from kids "on the run" and relayed more than 1,560 messages to parents. The service is also able to help make referrals to children in need of help from a Iist of over 7,000 resources around the country. All services are confidential. Only the message the child wants sent home will get there. The ru naway's whereabouts will not be discussed or given to parents or police without the child's consent. In fact, unless the child is in need of help, he will in no way be compelled to reveal his location. In many instances the runaway child makes direct contact and returns shortly following the indirect via the Hotline. Runaway children are usually considered as status offenders. Perhaps the best way to explain a status offense is by saying that these laws pertain strictly to the child crimes. No adult can be adjudicated for running away from home, being habitually truant from school or failing to obey the demands of his parents. No adult can be compelled to get cou nsel ing or be comm itted to a state institution for these acts. Children under the age of 18, however, can, and the question arises, "Should status offenders be placed with and treated as home contact

".;:

.

..••• ~

_For

We Proudly

Vending Needs Call 984-4131 P.O. All Your Box 218 Edinburl/, Virginia Salute The Jaycees .
.L
4

S ~
In

And Wish Them luck 1974

I

~=== ---=
~

For Good Home Cook in' Try ...

A

& L GRILL

"Where The Family Can Dine For less" -Family Sized Tables -Man Sized Portions -Children's Plates Serving Breakfast-lunch And Dinner "Try Our Specialty, Homemade Chili" Open 6 Days-Closed Sunday Hours 10-11 P.M. Monday-Saturday "Your Hosts, AI And laura Proudly Salute The Jaycees And Inv~e Them And Their Families For The Best In Home Cooked Meals" Route 29 And 15 Remington, Virginia CALL 439-8684

Attention Jaycees: For Fine Dining And Complete Motel Facilities It's ...

FARM MOTEL & RESTAURANT
Restaurant Open •.•.:~_ .
_ .-r.~ .

•.
_ ..:~'
.'

6 A.M. -10
Banquet

P.M.

Facilities

Available

,I~~~<~.i}.~.]. . , f3r\ ~: ~
.
\.
\

,

I

-

Call

837-1692

Richard And Mary Sheets: Owners Salute Our Jaycees!

BOYCE, VIRGINIA

9

For Dependable Call -OWNER

Plumbing

And Heating Work,

STEPHENS CITY
c:::;:t

OLAN THOMAS

price of law enforcement, judicial action, intake procedure and sending some children back to their homes is taken into account, a figure of two million dollars is only a conservative estimate of tax money spent on runaway~ On the national level, not only costs for care, but sheer numbers of ru naways are huge. As estimated one million children between the ages of 8-18 leave home each year. In the vast majority of cases (72 percent) these children will return home no later than three nights after they left. Before two days have passed, 56 percent will return. But, 10 percent will stay gone for a month or longer, and some will never return. Six percent of all children do run away from home each year. Most of these ch ildren are white females from varied econom ic backgrou nds. The vast majority of runaways are between 14 and 16 years old, with 15 being the mode age. As we have already seen in the case of the 27 boys murdered in Houston and the 6 girls raped and slain in Brevard County, ru naways make excellent targets for crimes including assault, robbery and rape. According to the NATIONAL SURVEY OF YOUTH '72 (Gold and

Reimer, University of Michigan) ru naways increasingly involve themselves in crime. Ninety-eight percent admit to committing at least one chargeable delinquent offense, though not necessarily while in ru naway status. Florida figures seem to bear th is out. In Hillsborough County 67% of all persons charged and convicted of shorlifting were under the age of 17, a large percentage were out of county resident, inferring ru naway status. Of course, exact figures on the crime committed by runaways can only be estimated, inaccurately at best, by the number of apprehensions. Crimes committed against runaways will never be fu lIy estimated because reports to pol ice by such children might lead to their apprehension. Wh ile we know that ru naways do present a hazard not only to society but to themselves, the extent or either hazard cannot be accurately estimated now. What can be done in our state of Virginia through the publicity of Operation Peace of Mind and the Runaway Hotline, is providing these ch ildren with some channel through which they are able to receive aid, (Continued on page 23)

• • • •

Repair Specialists New Construction Emergency Service Complete Installation

869-2696
Stephens City, Virginia

Barrett's

Service
.• ~

Garage

~_ (il~~
1813 E. Broad St. Richmond, 649-3074 Virginia \~, .... ~ ~.-\ ~.

AUTO REPAIR FEATURING: Skilled Mechanics-Genuine Parts-Prompt, Accurate Estimates Official AAA Service 24 Hour Wrecker Service
John Barrett-Owner And Richard Barrett-Manager Salute The Jaycees

Lucketts Cabinet Works
Formica Brand Laminated Plastic Sink And Counter TopsVanities-Gun Cabinets

English Riding Attire Boots- Horse Trailers

Horse Country Saddlery

347-3141
254 Lee Hwy., Warrenton

JAMES H. BAAR BUILDER Salutes And Supports Virginia Jaycees We Will Build Your New Custom Home Or Additions Or Repairing ••• 662

2019
With Pride ...

1621 Margaret Drive Winchester, Virginia

AMERICAN

DRIVER

TRAINING

SCHOOL

Derwood L. Shaffer
Painting Contractor "We Paint Any House!"

Painting

"MAKE YOUR KITCHEN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME" See Harold Sensabaugh-Owner

•

May We Remodel

Your Kitchen

For Free Estimate Call

Safe Driving Saves Lives! "We Salute The Jaycees"
Call 643·3110 Richmond, Virginia

777-4119
459-2458
Nights And Holidays Call 777-2595 Mailing Address: Route 4, Leesburg, Virginia LUCKETTS, VIRGINIA

FASTER ... BETTER ... CHEAPER
Mt. Jackson, Virginia

Luray Auto
"From
Since 1958 Body And Fender Repairing And Painting 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. Monday Thru Friday Jim Manvel-Owner Salutes The Jaycees

Body

Dented To Demolished"

~

~,

.

NELSON'S AUTO PARTS
LTD.

47 Acres Of Used Parts Hot Line Service-City Wide Delivery- Large Selection Of Body Parts, Glass-WheelsRadiatorsPower Steering-Differentials

Call 743-4402
Free Estimates

121 N. Hawkr.bill Luray, Virginia "From Dented To Demolished"

Carburetors-Starters Generators- Radios, Etc. Jim Nelson-Owner Salutes The Jaycees For Prompt Service, Call 746-2160
5724 Meadow Mechanicsville, Bridge Rd. Virginia

EDWARD

CLAY PILKINS-OWNER Call 471-5094

141 Park Road Herndon, Virginia

10

RUNAWAY HOTLINE

PROJECTS

MANUAL (REVISED

FOR

VOLUNTEERS

9/1/80)

Jean Juhnke Runaway Hotline National U. S. Jayceettes P. O. Box 1325 Program Manager

Livingston, Montana 59047 Business (406) 222-2841 Home (406) 222-1426

Kay Woodward, Deputy Director Governor's Office for Volunteer Services 104 Sam Houston Building Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 475-4441

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
WilLIAM P. CLEMENTS,
GOVERNOR

.JR.

STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711

Dear Volunteer: Every year a million or more young Americans run away from their homes, parents, and friends for various reasons. All too many of them become involved in our nation's criminal justice system -- either as a victim or as a perpetrator. The RUNAWAY HOTLINE is a nationwide, toll-free telephone hotline which serves as a neutral communications link between runaways and their parents or friends and as a referral service. Runaways in need of help, food, shelter, or medical assistance can be referred to people who care anywhere in the United States. Volunteers man the phones 24 hours a day. All calls are completely confidential. It is our hope that many runaways will be united anxious parents through the use of the hotline. with their

I wish to thank the thousands of volunteers around the country who help publicize the hotline. You are helping troubled young people in a direct and positive way. Sincerely,

William P. Clements, Governor of Texas

~?~~

Jr.

WPCJr:ds

TIlE RUNAWAY 800/231-6946 800/392-3352 800/231-6762 The Runaway lIotlinc.hl~g;1It follm~ing young men in the Houston, initiated runaways parents the unique Texas area

110'1'

LINE

----(in

----(Nationwide) Texas) ----(in Alaska/Hawaii) Ihl' IHHlil'Sof .~7 of Texas permit young

thL' tl'ITihll'discOVl"'Y l)f
in August, 1973.

The Governor which would

service

just days after number

the tragedy

to call a toll free telephone without having to divulge their

and have a message location. With

relayed

to their from

present

the promise

the Governor program

that [he Runaway

Hotline

was not a detective 11, 1973,

type agency,

the national

began receiving

calls on September since.

and has done so continuously

24 hours a day, seven days a week

Although telling

the main purpose them their runaway available

of the project child

is to bring it also allover

peace

of mind

to parents

by

is alive,

is necessary the country.

to have

referral Hotline

resources wants

for the young runaways young people

The Runaway

to get these vulnerable

off the streets Runaway

and into a safe volunteers have in-

environment formation counseling

as soon as possible.

Therefore,

Hotline

on free services available

such as legal

aid, medical who needs

assistance,

shelter,

and any

for any young person

them,

and in practically

city in the United

States.

The actual operation Incoming national

of The Runaway

Hotline

is simple

in practice around with

as well as theory.

free telephones

(WATS) are answered of calls

the clock by volunteers the amount aware of publicity of The for continuing volunteer

at the Houston being given.

headquarters. (Publicity

The volume

varies

is the only way young of incoming calls

runaways

will become

Runaway Hotline,) ongoing publicity

The number geared

is indicative

of the need where

to this audience.

This

is one of the areas Hotline.

groups have made

a dynamic

impact on The Runaway

-1-

Till' receipt

\)r

••

c;lll

fn)1II a t'unaway

requll'l's
number

tile

Ilotllne

volunteer

ask a minimum
is required, This is

of questions.

The name and telephone information sad hoaxes.

of the parent

or relative

as well as sufficient necessary to prevent

to identi fy the runaway The location WATS

to the family. is NEVER

of the runaway line. Calls

asked

and A

the calls are received runaway may receive location

over a nationwide

CANNOT

be traced. giving in these his

referral

help by simply

calling

and voluntarily is required revealed.

and the type of help that he needs, of runaways'

No name

cases

so that there is no danger

locations

being

In many cases,

runaways

indicate

a desire

to call back

and find out what

the re-

action of the parent message decision contacted

was to their message. that Runaway

It is in the relaying volunteers A number hear

of a parent's of a runaway's that are

back to the runaway to call home

Hotline

or, hopefully, Hotline

to go home.

of parents child

by The Runaway

called

back to say their Hotline

is now at home. The child

In most cases, however, happiness, relief,

the outcome

of a Runaway

call is not known. that their

and gratitude

expressed

by parents

upon hearing exists.

is okay fulfills

the purpose

for which

The Runaway

Hotline

The continued portant

existence

of The Runaway

Hotline

depends

primarily

on four very

im-

factors:

1) Volunteers

to man the telephones, This handbook

2) Publicity,

3) Referral local volun-

services,

and 4) Public donations.

is designed

to assist

teer organizations

in the implementation

of the last three

of these

categories.

Your participation who can be helped to nowhere.

as a volunteer through

will

certainly HotLine

increase

the numbers the agony

of runaways away

The Runaway

and spared

of running

-2-

PROJECT WE NEED YOU TO HELP US REACH RUNAWAY 1. CHILDREN

IDEAS IN YOUR AREA!

Order free stickers, brochures, posters, and publicity materials to be distributed in your local area. Use the order form at the end of this manual or write us directly. Allow one month for delivery. 1. DISTRIBUTE THE STICKERS with the toll on buses in parks on beaches in restrooms *near phone booths *on public telephones free numbers where runaways will see them:

rest stops truck stops subways store windows in gas stations convenience stores 2.

in overnight shelters on bumpers of cars in nightclubs bus stations in police stations

*Before putting telephone cradle stickers on public telephones or in telephone booths, contact your local phone company to make sure this is all right with them. Some phone companies will have their own service people do it; others will be happy to have you do it. Occasionally some prefer not to have stickers on their public phones. Sometimes a visit to their office and an enthusiastic explanation of the program using brochures and sample stickers will change their minds. Distribute stickers to people going on vacation. at the various places along their travel routes. Contact major to see. trucking firms to display stickers In turn, these can be placed

3.

4.

on their

cabs for hitchhikers

S.

Distribute stickers to school counselors. Place schools and high schools in your community. Set up displays Set up booths in banks or libraries. or fairs.

stickers

in all junior

high

6. 7. 2.

at local

festivals

School programs in high schools and junior highs. Interested school officials, teachers, or counselors can use "The Runaway Problem" film and the Discussion Guide which goes with it in classes or school forums. The object is not only to provide information about The Runaway Hotline, but to show teenagers the dangers and problems they would face on the street as runaways. Radio and television -- The Runaway Hotline mails (free) radio scripts for public service announcements and a filmed television public service announcement to radio and TV stations allover the United States twice a year. Contact your local stations and make sure they are helping publicize The Hotline's numbers and services. If they have not received our PSA's (public service announcements), send us their name and address and we will mail to them. Newspapers -- Information in this booklet can be used for newspapers and newsletter articles. Small donated ads in help-wanted section of local papers have been helpful. Don't overlook or underestimate "underground" papers, church bulletins, company newspapers or shoppers' guides.

3.

4.

-3-

S.

Public marquees -- Many associations willingly allow such public service announcements to be placed on their marquees. Call in advance several times a year. Conduct a publicity/public awaress campaign in your town. (Large companies often can be tapped to help with expenses or meeting space.) Sponsor a "Runaway Awareness Day" or "Week" with public meetings, school programs, newspaper interviews on local radio and TV shows, proclamations from local public officials. Request donation of advertisements bureau in magazines that teens read. as to what they

6.

7. 8.

Develop a speakers' can do.

to inform other

service

organizations

9.

"The Runaway Problem," a fifteen-minute documentary film on The Runaway Hotline can be used in your projects to show to civic groups, church groups, schools.

10. Tax-deductible contributions are received from individuals, groups, and companies interested in supporting The Runaway Hotline. Fund raising projects generate public awareness of the Hotline program, publicize a local group's interest in the runaway problem, and supplement the Hotline's limited budget. All proceeds raised for The Runaway Hotline should be sent to: The Runaway Governor's Office for Volunteer Services, 104 Sam Houston Building, Austin, Texas 78701 The following project ideas could be used as fund raising projects Hotline, or as publicity campaigns with no fund raising involved: Grocery raffle CB radio raffle Plant sale Dinners, lunches, breakfasts speakers and programs S. Bake sale 6. Crafts sale 7. Car wash 8. Candle sale 9. Walk-a-Thon 10. Skate-a-Thon 12. Recipe tasting 1. 2. 3. 4. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Hotline,

for The Runaway

with

18. 19. 20.

Garage sale Breakfast with (Santa, Bunny, etc.) Painting house numbers on curbs Major housecleaning and painting Solicit funds from large companies. (Many of these firms already have money budgeted for public relations.) Cookbook sales Set up booth in shopping centers with handouts Disco or dance contest

-4-

FREE FILM AVAILABLE "The Runaway any volunteer Problem" wishing - a IS-minute, 16 mm color, documentary service film - is available organizations, ).:"OIlPS, church to

to show it to local community Sd100\

gatherings,
"The Runaway separation interweave feelings doors

civic

clubs,

grlHlps,

or otlll'"
young

intel'l'stl'd
people

Problem"

sensitively brought telling

portrays

and parents

struggling

with

and alienation -- young people

about when about

a child

runs away

from home,

The stories their

life on the street, Hotline

parents

relating

of anguish

and helplessness, between

and The Runaway and runaways.

volunteers

who open the

of communications

parents

The ONLY FEE involved ORDER, write please

is that of MAILING forms

IT BACK TO OUR OFFICE

AFTER

A SHOWING.

TO

use one of the order please include

at the end of this manual. number

If you need to you can be

us instead, during

your name and a telephone to which

where

reached

the day, the address

the film should be sent,

and the specific for the date

dates you will need the film. you request,

Should

a copy of the film be unavailable for rescheduling.

you will be contacted

as soon as possible

When selecting LIBRARY

your dates,

please

allow

us at least one month

for delivery.

We mail

RATE, which

is slow, but cost effective.

Because

of the enormous

demand

for the film, we ask that you keep date. By returning

it no longer

than

two weeks

after your requested

the film to us promptly,

you allow

us to honor the requests

of other volunteers remove the white

on time. address card on the film's packing and mail case,

TO RETURN THE FILM, simply reinsert LIBRARY the reverse RATE (usually side

(which is already

addressed)

the film to us at the

about 45¢ to 55¢).

Requests

should be sent to:

Miss Kay Woodward, Deputy Director Governor's Office for Volunteer Services 104 Sam Houston Bldg. Austin, Texas 78701 512/475-4441

-5-

1. 2.

Type it on plain paper or your chapter's

stationery.

Use this basic format to announce your particular project activity - that you are sponsoring a program, breakfast meeting, etc .... that you will be distributing stickers around town ... that you will be presenting programs at local junior high and/or high schools, etc. In the first paragraph, include the basics the project activity, where it is located, - your name, the time, day, date(s), who can participate, etc. and any

3.

4.

Press releases can be sent to newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, other local organizations you want to reach with the information.

FOR IMMEDIATE Contact:

RELEASE

(Your name, title, Jaycee The Jefferson Area Jaycee

address,

phone

number) RUNAWAY HOTLINE Program January 10 to at

Wives Wives

to Sponsor

are sponsoring

a program HOTLINE.

on Thursday,

inform the Jefferson the Jefferson

community

about the RUNAWAY at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting,

to be held

Town Hall, will begin

Everyone

in the community

is welcome

to join us for this meeting. Every year, a million and friends criminal or more American reasons. - either children run away from their of them become homes, parents,

for various system

All too many as the victim

involved

in our nation's

justice

or as a perpetrator. toll-free telephone center which parents and

The RUNAWAY HOTLINE serves two purposes: friends, medical phone

(800-231-6946) It relays

is a nationwide, between

messages

runaway

children in need States.

and their

and it provides assistancc,

referrals

to troubled anywhere

runaways

of food,

shelter, free teleAll

or counseling around

in the United

The incoming

lines are answered

the clock by volunteers and untraceable.

at the Houston

headquarters.

calls are completely

confidential

Through

this program,

we will show the Jefferson parents through

community

how runaways

can be refilm,

united with their anxious "The Runaway Problem",

the use of this hotline.

A IS-minute

will also be shown.

,,I
.Join us for our program on the RUNAWAY HOTLINE ###

-6-

RADIO OR TV INTERVIEW

FOR TilE RUNAWAY

HOTLINE

Contact rips
1. 2.

local
1"'\1'

'":ldin :1I1dTV st:ltions
I Ill'

fo," :In inl"I-vi('\~

;lhollt

'I'll<'

Ihlll:l\~:I>'lIotliIH'.

il\(l'I-\'il'\~:

3. 4.

Give your name, name of your organi.zation, and your title if applicable. Use the "Most Often Asked Questions" sheet which follows immediately below these tips at the beginning of the interview to explain The Runaway Hotline program. Explain your group's interest in The Runaway Hotline program - why and how you you "got involved" and how the program benefits your local community. Explain any projects you are sponsoring locally (i.e. showing Runaway Problem film, bake sale, distributing stickers, etc.) Include date)s) of your project, location, specific hours, number of people or groups involved, specific activities.

Give statistics on the runaway problem in your area if they can be obtained from your local law enforcement agencies or youth service agencies. 6. If you wish to relate any personal stories of runaways and their parents, please be-sure to change the name and disguise the details enough to protect the individuals involved. 7. At the end of the interview, repeat The Runaway Hotline telephone number for your area and emphasize to the views that "it's a free call for runaways to get help or leave a messagr for someone at home." # # # MOST OFTEN Q. A. How did The Hotline get started? ASKED QUESTIONS

5.

Following the discovery of the dead bodies of 27 youths, the Texas Governor initiated the toll free hotline service. It was designed to allow a youthful runaway to call a toll free number and have a volunteer relay a personal message his/her parents. How many calls does The Hotline Approximately What hours Twenty-four receive? 145 a day.

to

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

4500 each month or about available?

is the service hours

a day, seven days a week.

What services

are provided

by The Hotline?

Messages are relayed from the runaway to the parents and from parents to the runaway. Referral services including food, shelter, medical assistance, legal aid, and counseling are offered in the local area from which the runaway is calling. Who operates The Hotline?

Q. A.

The Texas Governor's Office for Volunteer Services sponsors the Houston-based Runaway Hotline office and the toll free telephones are answered by a staff of volunteers.

-7-

l.,J.

Who is

tht.'

\.~onta\.·t p~l'son

in

the

Governor's

Office

for

Volunteer

Services'?

A.

Miss Kay Woodward, Deputy Director Governor's Office for Volunteer Services 104 Sam Houston Austin, Texas 512/475-4441 Building 78701

Q.

How do young runaways

learn about The Runaway

Hotline?

A.

Through public service announcements sent in June and December to TV stations and radio stations allover the United States. Also through bumper stickers, store front decals and telephone cradles placed in local communities throughout the United States by volunteers interested in helping runaways. These supplies are available free from the Texas Governor's Office for Volunteer Services. How many runaways go home after calling The Runaway Hotline?

Q.

A.

We do not attempt to keep such figures, since it would require us to call the youth's home. We do not act as a detective agency and all calls are confidential. Many parents and runaways will call us to say that a reunion has taken place. Who funds the project? The Texas Governor's Do any other states Office with a federal support grant. Hotline? many interested

Q.

A.
Q.

financially

The Runaway

A.

No. However, they do publicize the project within their borders. Also, tax-deductible contributions are received from individuals and companies in supporting The Runaway Hotline. What phone number Nationwide Texas do we call in this area to reach 1-800-231-6946 1-800-392-3352 1-800-231-6762 # # # The Runaway Hotline?

Q.

A.

---------------------

only --------------------only -------------

Alaska/Hawaii

-8-

OFFICE
WilLIAM P. CLEMENTS,
GOVERNOR

OF THE

GOVERNOR
Governor's Office for Volunteer Services

JR.

STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711

THE RUNAWAY

HOTLINE

STATISTICS

DATE 9/11/73-12/31/78 January, February March April May June July August September October November December Totals 1979 1979

TOTAL

Incoming CALLS

Calls CALLS 988 832 872 756 970 972 990 967 918 RUNAWAYS 813 1,048 1,086 1.037 1,132 1,008 1,058 80,737 6.086 11.645 1,027 1,257 98.468 FROM 419 770 FROM 370 413 456 457 306 438 555 449 CALLS 440 447 685 535 567 475 310 PARENTS 583 509 49, 2,498 5.916 41,356

266,344 4,821 4,108 4,407 4,836 4,608 4,562 4,266 4,656 3,753 4,860 4,388 5,287 54,552

January, February March April May June Totals

1980

5,525 4,925 4,088 4,342 5,019 5,047 1980 28,946

Jan.-June,

GRA1~D TOTALS 9/11/73 - 6/30/80

349.842

-9-

Sam Houston Building, Suit!' 104

-

201 East 14 th Street

_

Austin, Texas 78701

_

(512)475-4441

REFERRALS "But what can my group of only ten members do?"

Your local group could indirectly more than one million Houston-based the country. Runaway runaways Hotline

provide

shelter,

food, or medical

care

for one of the for the throughout that

in the United

States.

It is very difficult of changes be referred in facilities

staff to keep abreast from New York might

A runaway

calling

to a shelter

closed weeks ago; a young woman might patients channeling ... these situations exist.

be sent to a clinic But with

that now accepts

only male and

each group working agencies

independently will

information

into the main office, Every community What

the referral throughout

constantly has some are they open?

be up-to-date facility

and accurate.

the United are they?

States When

that a runaway

could use.

are they?

Where

Your group needs 1. 2. Contact

to do the following youth

things: in your community. (The referral resources

every available

service

Fill out a separate

referral

form for each one in detail.

form can be reproduced.) 3. 4. Submit the complete Optional, form to The Runaway Hotline in Houston, Texas. and review them with the

but helpful:

Keep a copy of the forms you submit for changes,

local agencies

every three to six months Hotline immediately opened

deletions,

and additions. number, if necessary.

Notify The Runaway 5.

-- by using

the Hotline

Send in forms for any newly

agency

in your area.

There

are runaways

in every state.

Don't make

the mistake

of thinking

your

community in one

is too small month

... that no runaway evidence

would

end up there. people

Five thousand

plus

calls

is overwhelming

that these young

need to know where

to go for

help allover

the United

States.

The service

you provide

could make

the difference

for a troubled,

frightened

child.

-10-

Referral

Resources

for the RUNAWAY

HOTLINE

-----.--- -- -------.----.-----------.----. -----_._----------HEMr:MBEI~ TIIAT TilE IU/NAWAY IIOTI. USED UNLESS TillS CONFrDENCI: IS
f

-------------------------A RErERRAL AGENCY CANNOT BE ABOUT TilE A(;ENCY AS POSSIBI.J:.

NI: IS STHTCI.Y 111'111:1.11. (;IVI:

CONF IIH:NTf AI.. AS /vI1/CII DETAIL

CHECK

ALL

SERV LCES

PROV mEIJ:

Name of Address Town State Contact Business Service Hours
&

Agelll:Y

Telephone Referral Overnight General

hotline agency shelter

County Zip Code Person Phone Phone _ _

counseling

Legal aid Crisis counseling drug rehabilitation

Residential Suicide

of Operation

Counseling counseling

Days of Operation Cost to Runaway of stay per visit age accepted description (include any restrictions) _

Vocational Food Medical

Length Clinic Minimum General

Prenatal Postnatal ----V.D. Diagnosis/Treatment Diabetic services Drug treatment Diagnostic services Other (describe) SERVICES Male Female Both NOTE: This form should be forwarded to: AVAILABLE TO:

SUBMITTED Name Address City State

BY:

THE KUNAWAY HOTLINE P. O. Box 52896 Houston, Texas 77052

Zip _

Organi zation (If applicable)

This

form may be reproduced.

Inform the RUNAWAY

HOTLINE

of any changes

regarding

agency.

-11-

THE RUNAWAY ORDER Organization or Chapter Name Chairman - Namc:

HOTLINE

FOR!>I

----------------------------------------------.---.- .---- ----- - -~-- --------------------------------------------..
..

.•

~--

City: Phone: Quantity: Bumpcr Stickcr Home (

State:

_ (

Zip:

}

Office

}

Brochure Projects Chapter Poster Manual for Volunteers (2~er

Decal Sticker T.elephone cradle ·sticker EXACT DATE NEEDED

chaPter) Report Form (one per chapter) (8!i"xll") a~ least one month)

(allow

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
I __ •

*

*

*
_

"Runa~ay Problem" Film (for 2 weeks ( lsmlnute, 16mm color, sound) Mail To:

only) DATE NEEDED: (allow one month) Services

Kay Woodward Governor's Office for Volunteer 104 Sam Houston Building Austin, Texas 78701

(first choice) 2. (second choice)

THE RUNAWAY ORDER Organization or Chapter Name Chairman - Name: Address: City: Phone: Quantity: Bumper Sticker Home ( 2 State:

HOTLINE

FORM

Zip: Office (

)

Brochure Projects Manual for V~lunteers (2 per chapter) Chapter Report Form (one per chapter) Poster (8Yz"xll") DATE NEEDED (allow at least one month)

Decal Sticker Telephone 'sticker cradle EXACT

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

"Runaway Problem" Film (for 2 weeks (15 minute, 16mm color, sound) Mail To:

only) DATE NEEDED: (allow one month) Services

_1_.

_

Kay Woodward Governor's Office for Volunteer 104 Sam Houston Building Austin, Texas 78701

(first choice) 2. (second choice)