[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 14, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL SAFE PLACE WEEK

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I would like to publicly discuss the 
importance of the Project Safe Place Program and extend my support for 
designating the week of March 13, 2006, as ``National Safe Place 
Week.''
  Project Safe Place is a nationally acclaimed youth outreach and 
education program that provides immediate help and support to youth who 
are in crisis or at risk for abuse, neglect, or serious family 
problems. This easily replicated community initiative, which takes 
place in more than 700 communities around the country, educates 
thousands of young people every year about dealing with difficult, 
threatening situations such as child abuse, substance addiction, crime, 
and family problems. Qualified agencies, trained volunteers, and 
community partners such as businesses, local government, and law 
enforcement agencies, work together to sustain Safe Places where youth 
in crisis can gain immediate, free, and confidential assistance. Safe 
Place sites, which are designated by distinctive yellow and black Safe 
Place signs, include youth-friendly businesses, schools, fire stations, 
libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and even buses.
  S. Res. 390 provides an opportunity to recognize the youth-serving 
agencies, community partners, counselors, and trained volunteers who 
work together to sustain safe places for children to turn to. We can 
show them that they have our support and appreciation and that we value 
communities actively working together to help young people in crisis.
  Throughout my tenure as a legislator, I have done my best to support 
initiatives that work to improve child welfare. Our Nation's children 
are its greatest asset and our most precious treasure. It is vital that 
we help them get the right start, nurture their development, and 
provide for their well being. Quality childcare, nutrition programs, 
children's health initiatives, and overall poverty reduction measures 
are critical to ensuring that the children have the tools they need to 
grow up safe, happy, and healthy. Providing services for at-risk youth 
is particularly essential because these young men and women often do 
not have the support that would help them through the transition from 
childhood to adulthood. These services can help young people continue 
their education, find jobs, and improve family relationships.
  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in supporting this 
resolution. This resolution will affirm the work of those individuals 
and organizations sustaining Safe Places around the country and 
encourage them to continue making a difference in the lives of at-risk 
youth.

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