IV 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 593 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

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.