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MOCA - Teen Mental Health Crisis and Referral Safeline
MOCA is a national Teen Mental Health Crisis and Referral Safeline working to support youth in Mentally Overcoming Challenges and Adversity (MOCA).
NRS is here to listen, here to help – to ensure all youth have a safe space to talk about mental health challenges and get help locating resources in their community.
MOCA can be reached via call and text at 1-888-504-MOCA(6622). Reach out for help now or text “MOCA” to 66008 so you have our contact information ready for when you do.
History of MOCA
In 2024, NRS was awarded a one-time grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Heatlh Services Administration (SAMSHA) to stand up a hotline to support youth in Illinois with a mental health crisis and ensure youth were connected to local providers. The hotline was originally called the Teen Suicide Prevention Line.
In 2025, NRS expanded the mental health crisis, informational and referral services nationwide with donations and support from private foundations and individuals. The aim is to ensure that all you have a safe place to seek support, that no youth is alone during a crisis.
1800runaway.org
1-800-RUNAWAY is the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth in America working to ensure youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are connected to the Runaway and Homeless Grantee network of vital resources providing street outreach, counseling, shelter, transitional living, maternity group homes, and support in local communities.
The NCS is funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
NRS has operated the NCS , AKA 1-800-RUNAWAY, for Runaway and Homeless Youth since 1974.
1-800-RUNAWAY is a 24/7, confidential, free and non-judgmental support for young people aged 12-21 and their families to receive support, information, and resources. Youth and families can reach 1-800-RUNAWAY via toll-free call and text atat 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) and via chat, email, and forum posts at 1800RUNAWAY.org.
Illinois Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)
In Illinois, the Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) is a network of community-based providers serving vulnerable youth ages 11-17 across Illinois. Youth, families, service providers, and other authorities supporting youth in need of emergency shelter can contact the CCBYS Information and Referral Line (IRL) toll-free to connect with the appropriate CCBYS agency in their area.
NRS operates the CCBYS IRL) 24/7 answering 1-877-870-2663 and connecting the caller with the local CCBYS provider across Illinois..
History of CCYBS:
This statewide 24/7 crisis intervention system is mandated to serve youth in crisis within these categories:
- youth who are away from home without parental consent
- youth beyond the control of their parents in circumstances which constitute an immediate or substantial danger to the youth’s physical safety
- In conjunction with DCFS, youth whose parents will not allow them to return home; and
- youth in high-risk situations, and their families when appropriate, according to their needs and in keeping with the goal of family preservation, reunification and/or family stabilization, or independence.
- A continuum of services is available statewide and may be provided to youth at risk of involvement in the Child Welfare and/or Juvenile Justice systems to avoid unnecessary involvement in these systems.
CCBYS is authorized by the Children and Family Services Act (20 ILCS 505/17 and 17a) and implements Article 3 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (705 ILCS 405/3 et seq.).