The following information is provided by California Youth Crisis Line.  For more information, visit them online at www.youthcrisisline.org.

The California Youth Crisis Line is a statewide, toll free, 24-hour, confidential phone line available to young people between the ages of 12-24, and concerned friends and family members.

Crisis Line's toll-free number: 1-800-843-5200.

CCY provides crisis intervention counseling on many issues including family problems, sexual assault, eating disorders, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, suicide and more. CCY offers support, encouragement, and referrals to youth needing assistance or in crisis situations. The California Youth Crisis Line connects an average of 12,000 callers with vital resources annually.

In many instances, the Crisis Line is the first resource a young person in crisis has for assistance outside of law enforcement. The Crisis Line is an immediate, reliable and free phone link between young people and their local services.  Speaking with a crisis counselor provides youth and parents with a confidential and nonjudgmental forum to discuss their concerns.

Through a collaborative agreement, overflow calls to the California Youth Crisis Line are answered by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS). NRS, founded in 1971, has served as the national communication system for runaway and homeless youth since 1974, the only organization to ever have that distinction. The NRS mission is to keep America's runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. For more information, call 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit www.1800runaway.org.