NCJ Number
161271
Date Published
Unknown
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This Runaway Education Program, which consists of a curriculum guide, video, and promotional materials, is designed to instruct youth on the dangers and stressful conditions of life on the street for youth who have run away from home.
Abstract
The purpose of the Runaway Curriculum is to prevent runaway behavior through education. This is done by increasing the awareness of middle and high school students about runaway issues and providing them an understanding of alternatives and resources available. The curriculum consists of three lessons. Lesson I focuses on why kids run away from home. This includes a "brainstorming" exercise designed to have participants identify reasons why youth might run away from home. Some major categories of reasons for running away from home are provided for the teacher's benefits. Background information for the teacher is provided. A pie chart shows percentages of reasons for running away from home according to National Runaway Switchboard callers. Lesson II addresses the realities of life on the street and the problems runaways may encounter. This lesson includes the showing of a 5-minute video that consists of interviews with runaways involved in life on the streets. They discuss why they left home and what life is like for them in trying to survive without a home and no stable income. Other materials for this lesson include a role-play script about "Life on the Streets." Teacher background information is provided for this lesson as well. Lesson III acquaints students with resources they can contact for help, including the National Runaway Switchboard. An evaluation questionnaire for the Runaway Education Program is provided.