[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E595-E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL RUNAWAY 
                            PREVENTION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House 
Resolution 57. I strongly support the goals and the ideals of 
``National Runaway Prevention Month.''
  It shocks me, that every year, it is estimated that up to 2.8 million 
youths in America are living on the street. In my home state of Texas, 
more than 100,000 children between the age of seven and 17 run away 
from home each year. This shocking amount indicates that there is a 
significant need for resources and outreach programs that effect this 
population. Runaway children have families, friends, and carry a 
despondence so great that they feel they can no longer stay in their 
homes.
  We need to take action and prevent teens running away from becoming 
commonplace in our country. Many family related problems and pressure 
cause teens to leave home.
  This is a problem that is not limited to any class or racial group. 
Millions of homes and families are involved. This is a national and 
community problem. We are obligated to stand up for the frustrated 
youths who are banished from the only homes they know out into the 
street. Many of these runaways have been physically, sexually, or 
emotionally abused.
  Imagine a child, who feels so alone in their world and feels their 
only option is to live in the street. The pain and loneliness they feel 
only creates a negative cycle, which leads to depression, isolation, 
and desperation. We need to place an emphasis and value on the 
community services that can reach out and help these youths. If no help 
is given, how can we expect the youth to turn around their life and get 
back on track? A runaway teen does not have an easy life, and often 
turn to drugs or prostitution to simply survive.
  I am proud to stand here today and speak on behalf of those runaway 
youths whom few before me have spoken for. This is an issue that we 
must address and come to understand

[[Page E596]]

thoroughly, not something to be swept under the rug. The youths who 
flee their homes in search of a safe haven on the street to be given an 
opportunity to seek help.
  We need to increase public awareness about the circumstances and 
trauma of the runaway youths. The National Network for Youth and the 
National Runaway Switchboard provides a myriad of services and 
resources to runaway and homeless youths. It is our job as congressmen 
to support these movements and tell them we value their services. Both 
National Network for Youth and the National Runaway Switchboard are 
cosponsoring National Runaway Prevention Month. This is a time for us 
to commend them on their work and offer our continuing gratitude with 
this resolution to support National Runaway Prevention Month.
  I applaud the organizations that take this first step to reach out. 
My heart goes out to the youths and families that have been failed by 
the system. It is in your honor that Congress will recognize the 
National Runaway Prevention Month.

                          ____________________