Tips & Tricks For Supporting Youth On-the-Run In response to the impact that COVID-19 has had in our community and communities across the world, it is not unusual for your CASA teen to feel uncertain, stressed or worried. Paired with current restrictions, youth may be more inclined to run away from home. This resource is intended to help CASAs identify ways in which they can support their youth in the event of a run. PRE-RUN PREVENTION HARM REDUCTION ON-THE-RUN RESOURCES Establish Yourself as a Safe Adult: If your CASA kid indicates a desire or plan to run, encourage them to carry your contact information. Communicate that you care about their safety and will not judge their actions. Contact Your Supervisor: If you learn that your CASA kid has run away from their placement, contact your CASA supervisor to discuss ways that you can support your CASA kid while maintaining boundaries. National Runaway Safeline Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY Chat: 1800RUNAWAY.org Make a Safety Plan: Brainstorm with your CASA kid safe places where they can stay and quarantine. Help them acquire a face mask/bandana, a spray bottle to make soapy water, hand sanitizer, warm clothing etc. Promote Good Hygiene: Continue to emphasize the importance of hand-washing, wearing face masks, social distancing and avoiding face touching. 211 Colorado Call: 211 Visit: 211colorado.org Support Informed Decision Making: Help your CASA kid weigh the costs and benefits of running away. Equip them with credible information about the health and safety risks of running away during a pandemic. Minimize Risk: If your CASA kid is prone to risky behavior, offer them contraceptives, speak to them about safe sex, encourage them to refrain from sharing cigarettes and vape pens etc. Coping with COVID-19 for Teens https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/Coping-with-CO VID.aspx?Topic=COVID-19 Promote Healthy Mediation & Conflict Resolution: If your CASA kid is in a safe placement, help them develop healthy communication skills to express their needs to the people they live with. Encourage Limited Contact With Others: Encourage your CASA kid to refrain from socializing, especially in large group or in enclosed spaces. Advocate that they avoid getting in cars with others and maintain a distance of 6 feet apart from other people. Virtual Teen Wellness Groups https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/services/teen-welln ess Review Coping Skills: Help your CASA kid identify coping skills that they can use when entering into fight-or-flight mode to help them regulate their emotions. Normalize Asking for Help: If your CASA kid is experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation, encourage them to ask for help by calling a trusted adult or the suicide hotline. If you are aware of their location, call 911 for a welfare check National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call: 1-800-273-8255 Visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
