A Novel, Intensive Home‐Visiting Intervention for Runaway, Sexually Exploited Girls

PURPOSE: 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. DESIGN AND 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. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Client-centered interventions in community settings can address the complex health needs of vulnerable young runaways.