A novel, intensive home-visiting intervention for runaway, sexually exploited girls.
OBJECTIVE
Few studies have examined interventions that help adolescents who run away. This study both describes a home-visiting intervention program for young, sexually assaulted runaways (10-14 years old) and provides preliminary outcomes from the first 20 female participants.


METHODS
Using a strengths-based approach, advanced practice nurses provided frequent home and school visits and case management, and assisted girls to access an empowerment group over a 1-year period.


RESULTS
Teens' risk behaviors decreased, including truancy, runaway episodes, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary results suggest that this is an effective intervention for reducing risk behaviors and helping younger runaways reconnect to school and family.


CONCLUSIONS
Client-centered interventions in community settings can address the complex health needs of vulnerable young runaways.
Edinburgh
Laurel D
LD
Midwest Children's Resource Center, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
Saewyc
Elizabeth M
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D019090:Case Management; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D018453:Homeless Youth; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009743:Nursing, Practical; D012309:Risk-Taking