For some youth, running away may seem like the only option and the best case scenario when things start to go south at home. Therapists at the Youth Crisis Center want all youth or anyone who might be running away from home or their problems to know that it’s not worth it. There are so many other options that could help you. At the Youth Crisis Center, we have staff ready for your calls and a wide range of therapists willing to help you work through some of the curveballs life throws at us sometimes.
It’s not worth it
Family Link Therapist Quandalyn Prince, MSW says her first advice she would give to a child who is running away is “don’t do it.”
“It’s not worth it. There are other alternatives besides running away and leaving a home that you are safe in versus going out into the real world and experiencing things you may not be used to.”
Prince wants to warn youth that there are people out there who go out of their way to take advantage of and prey on children. She also warns about sex trafficking, access to drugs, and other things that could lead to a negative impact on your life.
Talk to someone
Prince believes running away, especially as a youth, could lead to consequences you may not have thought about. Instead, she strongly encourages you to go talk to someone whether that is a parent, a friend, an adult you trust, or even a counselor.
“Urge them to hear what you have to say about running away because there are options out there.”
Prince says there could be a positive outcome from talking to a therapist. By speaking with someone, you could uncover a deeper reason why you want to run away. Therapy can also help you figure out coping skills and techniques so you’re able to tackle some of the speed bumps of life that come your way.
“Because once you run away, you’re no longer the same. You can experience so many things that can impact your future.”
About YCC’s Residential Crisis Care Program
Referred by family members, community resources, schools, law enforcement, and YCC outreach, these youth have either run away or are at risk of running away, been locked out of their homes, are habitually truant from school, or have exhibited ungovernable behavior. Our program is here to provide a safety net to young people and their families when they need it most.
Our residential therapists work with youth and their families to address the immediate crisis and help provide long-term solutions to handle future concerns once the child or teen returns home. Our goal is to reunite families by providing assistance and support with a clear plan for continued stabilization.
