In order to help raise awareness of the cause, the Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation at the beginning of the month honoring November as Colorado Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month. Several representatives of Family Tree, an organization that provides a broad range of services and shelter to families and youth of metro Denver to overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. In attendance to accept the proclamation was Scott Shields, Family Executive Officer, Dennis Desparrois, Managing Director of Children’s Services, and Nicole Sherwood, Gemini Outreach Supervisor.

Several years ago, the Colorado Legislature passed the Homeless Youth Services Act. In response to the legislative intent, the Colorado Homeless Youth Action Plan was developed. One of the plan’s strategies is to conduct a public awareness campaign on youth homelessness each November. 

The primary goals of Colorado Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month are:

1. To increase awareness of the issues facing homeless and runaway youth; and
2. To educate the public about the solutions and the role they can play in preventing and ending youth homelessness

A few of the important facts on homeless and runaway youth are:

• The National Runaway Switchboard, a federally designated communication and support center for homeless and runaway youth, operates a 24‐hour crisis hotline.  Callers to this hotline who are under the age of 12 have increased by 172 percent since 2000.
• Homeless and runaway youth face unbelievable circumstances and obstacles in their lives. Youth homelessness is largely a reflection of a breakdown in the family.
• Homeless youth often flee homes where they experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Other key factors include parental substance abuse, family conflict or mental health issues.
• Youth on their own are at great risk for further victimization and exploitation. Thirty percent of homeless youth will be actively recruited for the purposes of sexual exploitation and other forms of human trafficking within 48 hours of leaving home.
• Youth on their own operate in survival mode and experience negative outcomes in the areas of health, education, and employment.

Without prevention and early intervention, these youth are not likely to transition successfully to adulthood. Instead these youth are at high risk for HIV infection, suicide, incarceration, dropping out of school, teen parenting and system dependency.

For more information about homeless and runaway youth, or to get help for yourself or a loved one, please visit the Colorado Department of Human Services Web page or contact Family Tree.