Behind the Scenes: Aria's Story
When running away is how you cope, how do you learn it's safe to stay?
Repeated high-risk runs, substance use, and strained communication with the cousin she was living with after the death of her mother led to 14-year-old Aria*’s enrolled in Runaway Intervention Program (RIP).
From the beginning, it was different than past therapy attempts which she would skip or struggle to communicate in. Aria was engaged when she met with her RIP nurse practitioner. Together, they worked towards harm reduction through early health education regarding substance use and decreasing the risk of Aria’s runs. This included identifying safer places Aria could go and ways she could keep in touch with RIP even when on the run.
Two months into the program, Aria ran away. Within a few days, she contacted her RIP nurse practitioner to tell her where she ones (at a friend’s house like they talked about) and discuss what it would take to feel ready to come home. This was the first time Aria had ever communicated with anyone while on a run. She learned her cousin was willing to come pick her up once she was ready to come home, and she returned much sooner than in the past.
Aria initiated her own substance use treatment shortly after this run. This likely would not have happened without the education provided during RIP visits. Her nurse practitioner had provided teaching numerous times about the physical and mental effects of substance use and treatment options available—all without forcing Aria to start anything. Aria entered and completed a residential program. During residential programing, her RIP nurse practitioner continued to work “behind the scenes” though phone calls and meetings with her guardian and community supports to make sure that Aria’s return home would be successful.
Aria has now completed 12 months of RIP services. She attends school regularly and communicates with her cousin. While she no longer does community health visits, her RIP nurse practitioner will still hear from her and her cousin occasionally. She still likes to attend the Girls Empowerment Group RIP connected her to. Thanks to Runaway Intervention Program, she now has a full schedule of safe teen activities and no known health risks.
Runaway Intervention Program is one of CHA’s Legacy Program Partners. You can ensure these services not only remain available but also have the opportunity to expand by donating today.
Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) is a fundraising and resource 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, MN dedicated to supporting holistic pediatric healthcare services and programs rarely covered by insurance.
Names and some details changed to protect patient privacy.
