Terry's case: A Youth at Risk

Survival Tips Useful Information

1. YOU'VE RUN AWAY

• You can go to a community organization where workers can help you, refer you and counsel you.

• Do not cut up your ID cards, even if you are afraid of being caught.

• Hide them in a safe place where you can get them when you need them. This could prevent a lot of problems.

2. IF YOU ARE COLD

Mobile units patrol the city at night. They provide a warm and safe place. The workers on board can offer you snacks and refer you to a shelter for the night.

• Keep your head warm.
  

• Protect your hands and feet with gloves and wool socks.
  

• Beware of "quick solutions": alcohol and heroin can give the false impression that they warm you up, but in reality they cool your body. They are dangerous because they can prevent you from feeling and from treating frost bite and hypothermia.
  

Many organizations will give you free clothing; ask to be referred to the nearest one.

3. IF YOU ARE DOWN OR DEPRESSED

There is no magic solution. It could take many tries and sometimes changes in your life before it gets better, but it's worth it. Here are some options that worked for others and that could be useful for you:

• Talk to somebody. Contact your Health Centre and ask to talk to a social worker on duty. Social and outreach workers can listen to you and put you in touch with a specialist if you feel there is a need.
  

• Express yourself: Arts and music can relax and soothe you.
  

• Physical activity: Sports help you to unwind and stay healthy. Ask an outreach worker which sports activities are offered by organizations this season. (Tae kwon do, basketball and swimming are periodically offered by certain organizations.)
  

• Support Groups: Group meetings can help you to understand and negotiate your emotions. There are many support groups that meet regularly. Find out which group meets your needs and attend its meeting.
  If you absolutely must hit, hit something, not someone; and try not to hurt yourself or destroy the property around you.

4. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS SUICIDAL

• Do not stay alone with him or her; find someone to talk to.
  

• You can see a social worker or an outreach worker.
  

• Saving a life is more important than keeping a secret. If the person's life is threatened you are no longer bound by secrecy; his or her security is more important.
  

• Try to get the person to talk to someone who will be able to help. For example, you can phone a help line while you are with the person and put him or her on the phone once you have reached the social worker.
  

N.B. The lines are often busy and you could have to wait. Don't give up, your call is very important.

5. IF YOU ARE VICTIM OF SEXUAL ABUSE

• Immediately contact someone you trust and who can help you at least for the next few hours.
  

• Do not take a shower but go to a hospital, if possible with the person who is helping you, for evaluation, treatment and help.
  

• Emergency rooms will treat you without a health card.
  

Hospitals can:

• Take the necessary steps to protect your health (morning after pill, hepatitis B, STI and HIV screening and management).
  

• Refer you to persons who can make sure you are safe.
  

• At your request, keep copies of evidence if ever you decide to file a complaint later.
  

After the assessment of the abuse, you are eligible for care and support at a number of places. Find out where.

6. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE OD (OVERDOSE)
If you use, remember that the purity and quality of drugs vary a lot and that the risk of death is on the rise.
Do not hesitate to call an ambulance if the person

• Is unconscious or confused or if he/she has difficulty staying awake;
  

• Has difficulty breathing normally;
  

• Has convulsions or spasms;
  

• Is in danger of hurting him/herself or hurting others.
  

Keep an eye on the person.
Never give the person an antidote (milk, salty solution, etc.) either orally or by injection.
Create a calm and secure environment.

7. IF A POLICE OFFICER WANTS TO TALK TO YOU:

• Be respectful and calm;
  

• You must identify yourself, give your real name and address if there is a reason why this is requested;
  

• You do not have to follow a police officer unless you are under arrest.

8. IF A POLICE OFFICER ARRESTS YOU:

• You must be told why you are being arrested;
  

• You have the right to consult a lawyer without delay; you must be informed of this right and given access to such a consultation;
  

• You can also consult your parents or an adult whom you trust;
  

• You are never obliged to say, write or sign anything; everything that you say or write can be held against you in court;
  

• No one should make any promises or threats to you.

9. IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR RIGHTS HAVE NOT BEEN RESPECTED BY A POLICE OFFICER:

• Note the name of the officer and the number of the patrol car.
  

• Contact a lawyer to discuss your options, such as the possibility of filing a complaint. A social worker or outreach worker can help with this.
  

• Remember that you have the right to retrieve your personal belongings after an arrest or imprisonment.

10. IF YOU RECEIVE A FINE:

• You can appeal it within 30 days;
  

• If you do not appeal it and do not pay it, court costs will eventually be added. If you still don't pay your fine, it could become a warrant for arrest.
  

It is important to discuss your legal options with a lawyer and
to understand everything at stake.

11. THINGS THAT CAN HELP YOU:

• know your medical file, including any allergies or health problems;
  

• know an intervener/social worker; they are there for you!
  

• learn self-defence
  

• learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
  

• have passions, dreams and hopes !!!
  

Adapted from: Maladies transmissibles sexuellement. Guide pratique, Direction de la santé publique, Régies régionales de la Santé et des Services sociaux - Montréal-Centre et Laval, 1995.