[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 154 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 154

Recognizing the week beginning March 21, 2011, as ``National Safe Place 
                                Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 8, 2011

 Mr. Yarmuth (for himself, Mr. Grijalva, and Mr. Stark) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
                           and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the week beginning March 21, 2011, as ``National Safe Place 
                                Week''.

Whereas the youth of the United States will determine the future strength of our 
        country and be the bearers of our democracy;
Whereas youth need a safe haven from various negative influences, such as child 
        abuse, substance abuse, depression, and crime, and youth need readily 
        available resources to assist them when faced with circumstances that 
        compromise their safety;
Whereas the Safe Place program is committed to protecting the youth of the 
        United States by offering short-term housing at neighborhood locations 
        where trained volunteers are available to counsel and advise young 
        people seeking assistance and guidance;
Whereas, designated as locations where youth can get information and immediate 
        care, Safe Place is found at businesses, such as restaurants, 
        convenience stores, movie theaters, and community buildings such as fire 
        stations, libraries, and community centers;
Whereas the success of Safe Place 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 young people;
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 more than 1,500 communities in 40 States administer the Safe Place 
        program at over 17,000 locations;
Whereas more than 255,000 youth were helped by going to a Safe Place location or 
        received counseling by phone as a result of Safe Place information 
        received at school;
Whereas since 2005, more than 3,500,000 youth have been reached through National 
        Safe Place's Building a Safety Net for Youth campaign, familiarizing 
        them with the Safe Place sign and providing them with information about 
        how to seek help in order to stay safe;
Whereas Safe Place services are needed for youth in every community and services 
        are not yet available to youth in 10 States and the United States 
        Territories; and
Whereas increased awareness will encourage more communities to establish Safe 
        Place 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>