Missing Children: Incidences and Characteristics of Runaway Children and Resources Available to Them (continued)

Be an Advocate for Change

If you think your community isn't doing enough about the runaway/throwaway issue, or if you think things should change on the national level, do not be afraid to speak out. Advocacy has been shown to work.

Fundraisers are a good way to start collecting money and increasing awareness. They are also fairly easy to organize. Showing your support and voting for government officials who address the problem of runaways is another way to help. Writing to your local representative or collecting signatures for a petition might influence future legislation. On a group level, you could organize an ad campaign or even hire a lobbyist. You could even organize your own demonstration at the state or national capitol. No matter how you decide to help, be ready to accept small victories and numerous setbacks. Being a child advocate is not a simple task, but if you think that the issues facing runaways and "throwaways" are worthy of more attention, you should consider becoming a voice for change.

References

Greyhound Lines, Inc. (2006). Charitable contributions. Retrieved February 20, 2006, from http://www.greyhound.com/company/contributions.shtml

Hammer, H., Finkelhor, D., & Sediak, A.J. (2002). Runaway/thrownaway children: National estimates and characteristics. (NISMART Bulletin Series NCJ 196469). Retrieved February 20, 2006, from http://www.missingkids.com/en_US/documents/nismart2_runaway.pdf

Mitchell, F. (2003). "Can I come home?" The experiences of young runaways contacting the Message Home helpline [Electronic version]. Child and Family Social Work, 8, 3-11.

National Runaway Switchboard (2006). Homepage. Retrieved February 20, 2006, from http://nrscrisisline.org/

National Safe Place, YMCA. (2006). Retrieved February 20, 2006, from http://www.safeplaceservices.org/

Sandt, J. (2006). Runaway lives: Personal stories and reflections by runaways and their families. Retrieved March 18, 2006, from http://www.lv.psu.edu/jkl1/runawaylives/index.html

Sandt, J.(2004). Teens in trouble: Runaways. Retrieved March 18, 2006, from http://www.lv.psu.edu/jkl1/teens/runaways.html

Spatz, C., Widom C., & Ames, M.A. (1994). Criminal consequences of childhood victimization [Electronic version]. Child Abuse and Neglect, 18, 303-317.

Stiffman, A.R. (1989). Physical and sexual abuse in runaway youths [Electronic version]. Child Abuse and Neglect, 13, 417-426.