As the holiday season concludes and a new year begins, Greyhound Bus Lines is once again highlighting its initiative to help reunite runaway youth with their families or legal guardians. The company has collaborated with the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) since 1987 through the Home Free program, which offers free bus tickets to assist young individuals in returning home across the United States. This initiative benefits approximately 400 children and teenagers annually.
Eligibility for Greyhound Tickets
To qualify for a Greyhound ticket home, the youth must contact the NRS helpline, be aged between 12 and 21, have their name listed on a runaway report, and express a willingness to reconnect with their family. Additionally, those under 15 can have a free ticket issued for their parent or legal guardian. Greyhound emphasizes that individuals can access this service only twice.
Support from the National Runaway Safeline
The NRS provides a 24/7 crisis hotline and online support for at-risk youth, those who have run away, or are experiencing homelessness, as well as their families. Services include crisis intervention, message relays, referrals, and advocacy programs. The NRS has handled nearly 90,000 communications through its hotline, email, chat, and forums, with 85% of those reaching out being 18 years old or younger, and nearly 70% identifying as female.
The Reality of Runaway Youth
Each year in the United States, an estimated 1.6 to 2.8 million youth run away, with some beginning as young as ten years old. The reasons for leaving home vary widely and can be heartbreaking. Nearly half of runaway youth cite conflicts with parents or guardians, while over half of those in shelters or on the streets report being told to leave or their parents being indifferent to their departure. Alarmingly, 80% of runaway and homeless girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse, and 43% of all runaway youth report experiencing physical abuse prior to leaving home.
Life on the streets poses significant dangers for these young individuals. More than 70% are considered endangered, and 14% have engaged in survival sex for basic needs like food or shelter. Furthermore, one-third have attempted suicide at some point.
Additional Resources
For more information about the National Runaway Safeline, visit their website. If you or someone you know is seeking to return home, the NRS offers crucial support. Additionally, for insights into parenting and family matters, check out our other blog posts, including one on autism spectrum topics at Home Insemination Kit. For guidance on home insemination, Make A Mom is an excellent resource, alongside IVF Babble which provides comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Greyhound’s Home Free program stands as a vital resource for runaway youth, underscoring the importance of family reunification in an often challenging and dangerous world.
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