Hotline available to youths and families in crisis

The Texas Youth Hotline launched a statewide public awareness campaign in January aimed at youths and families in crisis situations. The hotline’s toll-free telephone number is 1-800-210-2278.

“The Texas Youth Hotline is answered 24 hours a day and provides prevention and crisis intervention services to callers who are in need of a caring voice and a listening ear,” said Jay Smith, Hotline director. “Hotline counselors talk with callers who face a variety of issues including family conflicts, delinquency, truancy, and abuse and neglect.”

Smith said television and radio public service announcements and more than 250,000 pieces of public awareness materials for schools, social service agencies, runaway shelters, law enforcement and youth-related organizations are aimed at bringing the troubled youth problem to wider public attention and to make youth and parents more aware of the services available.

“Many of today’s youth who are lonely or angry do not have constructive ways of venting their frustrations,” said Smith. “We offer a safe, non threatening environment where callers can discuss their problems with someone who will listen and not judge them.”

Smith said callers are urged to seek ongoing guidance and support from trusted adults, school faculty, or local social service agencies.
“Our goal is to help minimize problems at home or school and prevent youth from becoming involved in delinquent, self-destructive behavior,” explains Smith.

For additional information about the Texas Youth Hotline, call the hotline’s toll-free telephone number, 1-800-210-2278.