Operation Runaway

Operation Runaway is a community-based, family-focused, and crisis-oriented program founded in 1991 to assist at-risk runaway youth and their families. Operation Runaway provides free, therapeutic support services, education and advocacy in an effort to prevent and reduce runaway behavior.

The Operation Runaway Coalition, which consists of representatives from Montgomery County Public Schools, Health and Human Services, Hearts & Homes for Youth, Montgomery County Police Department, Rockville City Police Department and Adventist Behavioral health Rockville meets quarterly to facilitate activities that will curtail runaways and to coordinate treatment services.

We work closely with the Montgomery County Police Department to help runaway youths and their families by providing the following services:

Free 24 Hour Hotline

• Telephone crisis intervention and brief counseling for youth on the run or youth considering running away
• Consultation for concerned parents or community members

Free Confidential Assessments

• A safe meeting place for parents to be reunited with runaways
• Discuss strategies for coping with situation
• Provide parents with specific recommendations and referrals for treatment

Free Community Support Group

• Weekly meeting for parents and runaways
• Learn how to prevent future runaway episodes with improved communication, problem solving, stress and anger management skills
• Gain support from other families experiencing the same stressors
• Receive outside support from group co-facilitators Free Consultation
• Geared toward law enforcement officers and youth services professionals
• Receive information or advice pertaining to a specific case or client

Free Community Education

• Outreach to community agencies and referral sources
• Professional education seminars and workshops
• Operation Runaway Coalition multi-agency representation

For more information, to sign up for the Operation Runaway support group, to make a referral, or to schedule a free evaluation, please call 1-800-204-8600.