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Thinking of Running Away?              
If you plan to run away, here are 10 questions* you should ask yourself before you leave:
 
  • What else can I do to improve my home situation before I leave?
  • What would make me stay at home?
  • How will I survive?
  • Is running away safe?
  • Who can I count on to help me?
  • Am I being realistic?
  • Have I given this enough thought?
  • What are my other options?
  • If I end up in trouble, who will I call?
  • When I return home, what will happen?
 
*Questions are provided by the National Runaway Switchboard  
If you still feel like you need to leave,
there is a place where you can get help.
Click HERE for a map of Safe Place locations
in Manatee County.

(941) 741-3575
24 HOURS A DAY
What is Safe Place?   
Safe Place is a Family Resources Program that helps kids. A Safe Place is any building with a Safe Place sign on it.   
 How does Safe Place work?  
All you have to do is walk into a Safe Place and ask the people who work there for help. They will call Family Resources and get help for you.  
 Why do kids go to Safe Places?  
  • They live in an unsafe home
  • They are being abused
  • They have parents or family members with drug or alcohol problems
  • They are arguing with family members and need a cooling off time.
  • They are thinking about running away from home but know it is not a safe thing to do.
  • They have no place to go
  • They need time to think about what's going on in their lives
  • They need to talk to someone who wants to listen, help and understand
  • They feel unsafe lonely or scared
  • They are in a bad situation
 
 How old do you have to be to use a Safe Place?  
Kids ages 10-17 should go there if they need help.  
 How much does it cost?  
Not a thing!  
 What happens when you go to a Safe Place?  

Someone at the Safe Place will call Family Resources to help you make a decision about how to handle the situation. One of three things will happen:

  • A stay at the Safe Place2B
  • An appointment with a counselor
  • A ride home
 Will my parents be called if I go to a Safe Place?  
The law says that, at some point, we have to call parents to them know you are okay. We also, by law have to report to proper authorities when a youth is being abused.   
 Are there any Safe Places in Manatee County?  
Yes, there are locations all over the county. Click HERE for the Safe Place map.
 Are there other websites where I can find more information?  
  • www.safeplaceservices.org
  • National Runaway Switchboard
    (1-800-621-4000)
  • AT&T's KidsCall
    Service that helps runaways re-establish contact with their home community and offers services to help you find assistance with other agencies. Click here to find out more about this program.
  • Greyhound's Home Free Program
    Provides free one-way transportation in the U.S. for runaways returning home.
 

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Break-it-down! A project of Family Resources in Pinellas and Manatee Counties, Florida.