IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 217 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

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.