[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 593 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 593

    Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Safe Place Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 21, 2012

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Safe Place Week''.

Whereas the youth of the United States will determine the future strength of the 
        Nation 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 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 20,000 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 3.5 million 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 territories;
Whereas March 18 through 24, 2012, has been designated as National Safe Place 
        Week; 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) supports the goals and ideals of ``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>