"The prevalence of runaway and homeless youth in our nation is staggering," said Senator Collins. "Preventing young people from running away and supporting youth in high risk situations is a family, community, and national responsibility. This resolution will send a powerful message to Americans that it is important that we take strong measures to prevent children from running away." Studies suggest that between 1,300,000 and 2,800,000 young people live on the streets of the United Sates each year. One out of every seven American children run away before the age of 18. The children that end up on the streets are often those who have been "thrown out" of their homes by their families, who have been physically, sexually, and emotionally abused at home, who have been discharged by State custodial systems without adequate transition plans, who have lost their parents through death or divorce, and who are too poor to secure their own basic needs.
"The future well-being of the Nation is dependent on our young people. We must provide opportunities for youth to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop into safe, healthy, and productive adults," said Senator Collins.
The National Network for Youth and the National Runaway Switch board are co-sponsoring National Runaway Prevention Month to increase public awareness of the life circumstances of youth in high-risk situations and the need for safe, healthy, and productive alternatives, resources, and supports for youth, families, and communities.