Reach: A new model of intervention for children before, during and after they run away
Railway Children commissioned York Consulting to undertake an independent evaluation of the Reach model. The Reach model is a model of support promoted by Railway Children as an effective response to young people at risk through running away. It was conceptualised as a result of extensive, qualitative research conducted by Railway Children into the experiences of young people who run away, sometimes repeatedly, putting themselves at risk of long-term negative outcomes
Young people who run away may go missing for a few hours or a few days. Some young people may run away once, whilst others are repeat runaways. Running away or going missing is a key indicator that young people are at risk of physical or sexual abuse. A swift and effective response is required to minimise the harm to young people who run away and place themselves at considerable risk of exploitation and all forms of abuse
Research undertaken by Railway Children highlights three key factors that contribute to children and young people running away. These are:
- being forced to leave home due to a breakdown in family relationships;
- staying away or finding themselves drifting away for a range of reasons related to peer influences, drugs and alcohol;
- mental health issues that cause young people to run away because they become stressed and unhappy.
Reasons for running away are often strongly related to issues with home life. Home life can be fractured, violent or abusive, often resulting in a breakdown in relationships between the young person and their family (siblings and parents). Parents or the extended family may not be able or willing to provide the loving, caring environment a young person needs.
Some parents or other individuals within or close to their home may pose a threat, or there may be fear of violence, whether physical, sexual or emotional. Running away can be seen as an attempt by the young person to escape from highly volatile stressful situations. Some young people view it as a positive step towards taking control of their lives
However, young people who run away are at risk of a series of longer-term negative and costly outcomes, including low educational attainment, becoming NEET, poor mental health, substance misuse and offending. Nearly half of sentenced prisoners report having run away as children.
Published : 30th November 2012
Publisher : Railway Children [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : Railway Children
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