I think the most important thing is to keep the channels of communication open, which entails telling them you care about them instead of treating them like they're stupid (even if they act stupid). Also to talk to them about levels of risk...
For me I try to lead by example, so because I want my friends to call me and give me info if they're doing something that isn't by the books, I will do the same for them (even though I feel like my risk assessment skills are better and wouldn't get in the car with someone I'd need to text license plate #s for).
Also for me I think my friend going on a blind date without bringing a friend is really dumb, but SHE thinks me going to check out different dojos by myself is dumb because there's like 50 guys there and they're all armed. Since I want her to listen to me when I think she's doing something dumb (and tell me where she's going, etc.), I'll do the same for her.
The reaction to this is really really funny because it's so similar to the born-again Xtn argument about not telling kids about birth control b/c it'll encourage sex, and the truth is they're probably not gonna be abstinent anyway. Whereas it's much more useful to actually give people helpful information even if they're doing something that you think is stupid (or they're gonna go to hell, or whatever) if you know they're gonna do it anyway.
So that's why I wanted to research this... I'm gonna ask some people i know who currently have jobs working with runaways and see if they have any pertinent info that would be helpful.
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