[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 217 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 217

Recognizing the week of March 15 through March 21, 2009, as ``National 
                           Safe Place Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 5, 2009

  Mr. Yarmuth (for himself and Mrs. Biggert) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the week of March 15 through March 21, 2009, as ``National 
                           Safe Place Week''.

Whereas the youth of the United States will determine the future strength of our 
        country and will be the bearers of our democracy;
Whereas the youth need a safe haven from various negative influences, such as 
        child abuse, substance abuse, depression, and crime;
Whereas the youth need resources readily available to assist them when faced 
        with circumstances that compromise their safety;
Whereas the Safe Place program is committed to protecting youth of the United 
        States by offering short-term housing at neighborhood locations where 
        trained volunteers are available to counsel and advise youth seeking 
        assistance and guidance;
Whereas the Safe Place program is designated at locations where youth can get 
        information and immediate care, including businesses, fast food 
        restaurants, convenience stores, movie theaters, and community buildings 
        such as fire stations, libraries, and community centers;
Whereas more than 1400 communities in 40 States administer the Safe Place 
        program at over 16,000 locations;
Whereas more than 230,000 youth were helped by going to a Safe Place location or 
        received counseling by phone as a result of information received at 
        school about the Safe Place program;
Whereas in 2008, National Safe Place's ``Building a Safety Net for Youth'' 
        awareness campaign reached more than 2.5 million youth and familiarized 
        them with the Safe Place sign and provided them with information about 
        how to seek help in order to stay safe;
Whereas the success of the Safe Place program is based on public and private 
        collaborations between businesses, school systems, fire departments, law 
        enforcement, and a network of volunteers;
Whereas the United States needs increased numbers of community volunteers 
        serving as mentors and positive influences on youth;
Whereas the Safe Place program must meet performance standards relative to 
        outreach and community relations, to receive direct Federal assistance 
        as set forth in the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et 
        seq.);
Whereas Safe Place services are needed for youth in every community and services 
        are not available to youth in 10 States; and
Whereas increased awareness will encourage more communities to establish Safe 
        Place program locations where youth can readily access the help they 
        need: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes ``National Safe Place Week''; and
            (2) calls upon the people of the United States and 
        interested groups to--
                    (A) promote awareness of, and volunteer involvement 
                in, the Safe Place program; and
                    (B) observe the week with appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities.
                                 <all>