Hurting Kids: Where To Turn

Since you’re a youth leader, you WILL encounter crisis situations. When they happen, you’ll need to know where to turn. Here are some websites and information that could prove invaluable to you.

GET HELP NOW

• If you are in crisis, need immediate help, or facing a potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911
• Critical Incident Response – This coalition of crisis responders coordinates specialized training and resources to help prepare youth workers and local Networks to meet needs when crises strike, such as a teenage suicide, fatal car accident, school shooting, or other trauma. Four levels of involvement and training can be found at youthworkers.net.

Suicide

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline – If you or someone you know is considering suicide, do not wait to get help. Take the concern seriously and call 800-273-TALK to talk to someone who cares. Go to http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
• The HopeLine– Longtime youth minister and well-known youth communicator Dawson McAllister offers help to teens struggling with critical life issues and who may be considering self-harm or suicide. Call 1-800-394-HOPE (4673) to talk with a Hope Coach, or communicate by chat or text. Point your web browser to https://www.thehopeline.com.
• Groundwire – Need to talk? Chat now with a spiritual coach. Coaches are available to listen and offer spiritual advice, encouragement, resources, and prayer. Get online with them at http://www.groundwire.net/#home.

Self-Injury

• To Write Love On Her Arms – TWLOHA is a movement dedicated to hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Find help online at https://twloha.com.
• A.F.E. ALTERNATIVES – This is a nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network and educational resource base committed to helping you and others end to self-abusive behavior. Link to selfinjury.com.

Substance Abuse

• Teen Challenge – Faith-based help and healing for those facing drug addiction and life-controlling problems. Teen Challenge has centers located in 70 different countries. Their online presence is at https://www.teenchallengeusa.com.