How We Can Help
24 hours a day,
7 days a week
Reach a caring voice and
listening ear when
you need one.
The Texas Youth Hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides prevention services to youths, parents, siblings, and other family members who are in need of a caring voice and listening ear. The Hotline counselors also assist youth advocates, such as, police, caseworkers, counselors and school officials by locating state and local resources.
The Hotline also provides free information and outreach materials to those working with youth and families. The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) also has a separate 24 hour hotline (Texas Runaway Hotline) specifically dedicated to help runaway teens and their families.
The Texas Youth Hotline counselors talk with callers who face a variety of issues, including:
- family conflicts,
- delinquency,
- truancy,
- abuse and neglect, and
- running away.
Hotline Services
The confidential hotline is answered by staff and volunteers who are dedicated to helping youth and family members in need of assistance. After assessing the caller's problems, telephone counselors help them consider options, explore the facts and their feelings, and develop a sensible plan of action.
Hotline telephone counselors work closely with the statewide STAR (Services to At-Risk Youth and Families) Program. The STAR provider in your area offers many services, including:
- 24-hour crisis intervention,
- short-term emergency residential care for youth,
- individual, group, and family counseling,
- skills-based training for youth and parents, and
- follow-up services.
The hotline also provides comprehensive information and referrals to other low-cost and free community services available to at-risk youth and their families.