You can run from abuse; you can run because of anger, sadness, or confusion. The reason you are running away from any situation is a personal choice. The most important thing is that you get to a safe place, remain safe, and get the help you may need. This page will list resources for young adults who need to escape to a more welcoming environment.
If you are experiencing a domestic violence issue please visit our Domestic Violence page. Many of the DV organizations listed on this page offer safe shelter, basic needs and other services.
If this is an emergency or you feel that you are in danger call 911 immediately!
Bridge Family Center: is a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency that provides a broad range of services for children and families throughout the Greater Hartford area. Founded in 1969, the Bridge offers a safe haven for children and families in crisis as well as positive, healthy intervention and prevention programs.
We offer a safe haven for teens and young adults throughout our region, many of whom have experienced significant trauma. A high percentage of the girls we care for are victims of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.
- Short-Term Assessment and Respite youth shelters throughout Greater Hartford and beyond for children ages 11-18 (DCF referred);
- Therapeutic Group Home for boys ages 13-18 (DCF referred);
- Emergency Shelter for homeless children and teens ages 13-17;
- Transitional and Independent Living programs for young adults ages 16-21.
Location: West Hartford, CT
Kids In Crisis: provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crisis. Crisis can can include domestic violence, mental health concerns, homelessness, substance abuse, economic difficulties, and other critical challenges.
The Kids In Crisis Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day with trained Crisis Counselors, and provides free, confidential phone and face-to-face intervention, counseling, and referrals. Since its founding in 1978, Kids In Crisis has provided vital 24-hour services to more than 148,000 children and teens, and their families. Providers, educators, community members, and family members are encouraged to call the 24-hour helpline: 203-661-1911 for support.
Location: Cos Cob, CT
National Runaway Safeline: The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) is here to listen whether you are thinking of running away or already have. Our services are confidential and nonjudgmental. NRS serves as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth.
1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929
Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people under the age of 18 (up to 21 years of age in some communities) in need of immediate help and safety. As a collaborative community prevention initiative, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. Safe Place locations include: libraries, YMCAs, fire stations, public buses, various businesses, and social service facilities.
For Connecticut locations click HERE
To use TXT 4 HELP, text the word “safe” and your current location (city/state/zip) to 4HELP (44357).
If you believe your are danger, get to a safe location and call or text 911 immediately!
Help and resources for: Abuse, Anxiety & Stress, Body Awareness, Bullying, Drugs & Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Homeless Youth, Human Trafficking, LGBTQ, Life Changes, Loss & Greif, Pregnancy, Rape, Running Away, Sex, Sexual Assault, STD’s, Suicide Prevention, and Teen Dating Violence.
Youth Continuum: has worked with the at-risk youth population since its inception. We serve over 1,000 young people annually with comprehensive services for homeless, runaway and at-risk teens and young adults.
Currently, Youth Continuum operates the most extensive homeless youth outreach program in New Haven which includes a street outreach program, an emergency shelter, and a multitude of services at our Drop-In Center and our MacMullen Educational Training and Enrichment Center. In addition, we have a variety of transitional living programs in the greater New Haven region that are available to youth throughout the state. Another part of this continuum includes our therapeutic residences which provide 24-hour programming and serve a wide range of youth within the child welfare, parole, and probation systems.
