Reunite is Operation Come Home’s founding program that was started in 1971 by Reverend Norman Johnston. The program still in operations today, reunites runaway youth with their families across the country and is the agency’s only national program. Youth must be between the ages of 16-25 and looking to return home to their parents and/or guardians to regain long term support and stability. Reunite cannot travel youth with pending legal issues in the city/town they are currently in, who are currently involved with Children’s Aid Society, who are 6 months or further in a pregnancy or who want to travel pets. Reunite does not offer same day travel as it can take up to 72 hours for vouchers and reservations to be completed. The program cannot provide transportation by plane at this time but we hope this may be a possibility in the future!
After a successful reunite is made, we will assist the reunited youth and their families in being connected with the appropriate services in their area for ongoing support. We will also conduct a one-month follow to offer any additional support that may be needed.
Assisting runaway youth in returning home to their families would not be possible without the generous support and partnerships with the following transportation companies:
Marine Atlantic
In 2019 VIA Rail committed $15,000 in travel vouchers to the Reunite Program allowing for the program to reach further destinations then previously possible. In 2020 VIA Rail increased its commitment to the program by providing $17,600.
If you or your child has run away from home and you would like more information, please call us toll free at 1-800-668-4663 from Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm or reach us by email at reunite@operationcomehome.ca.
If you need more resources or information please checkout our resource page for family members of runaway youth.