 TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective |
TEXAS’ Widest Circulated and Read Newspaper with a Black Perspective |
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| State seeks to reach runaway and homeless youth |
| AUSTIN-- The Texas Department of Protective and
Regulatory Services (PRS) launched a statewide media campaign in conjunction with the
Texas Runaway Hotline to reach as many runaways, troubled youth and families as possible,
according to Hotline Director, Jay Smith. In order to raise public awareness about the
problem, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed “Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness
Week” in Texas the first part of June. “Our campaign begins this week and continues throughout the summer months when most youths are out of school,” states Smith. The hotline’s campaign includes more than l 50,000 pieces of prevention materials, billboards, bus placards, and new public service announcements for television and radio entitled “World Turning,” which are directed toward troubled youth and families who may be in need of hotlineservices. “In Texas, an estimated l00,000 children ages 7 to 17 run away annually,” Smith said. “Whether they are in large cities or small towns, runaway youths are vulnerable to a wide variety of crimes including assault and sexual exploitation” Hotline staff and volunteers provide callers with crisis intervention, telephone counseling and information and referral services. For additional information about the Texas Runaway Hotline, call the hotline’s toll-free telephone number or visit www.texasruna\vay org. The hotline’s toll-free telephone number is 1/888-580-HELP (4357).. |
| June Archives |