MARCH 14-20 IS NATIONAL SAFE PLACE WEEK

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 16, 2010) – National Safe Place announces March 14-20, 2010 as National Safe Place Week. This commemorative week highlights the innovative Safe Place program, which brings businesses and volunteers together to provide help and safety to children and teens facing abuse, neglect or serious family problems.

Safe Place is a nationally acclaimed outreach program that makes help readily available to young people in crisis. A network of more than 17,000 partnering businesses and community buildings that appeal to youth – such as fast food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and libraries – are trained to connect youth who might be abused, neglected, thrown away or in immediate danger to their local youth shelter or Host Homes program.

Safe Place programs serve nearly 1,500 communities across the country and are managed by 140 youth-serving agencies in 39 states and the District of Columbia. More than 250,000 youth nationally have been counseled by phone or received help through a business or community location displaying the Safe Place sign since the program’s inception in 1983. Locally, Family Centered Services facilitates the Safe Place program, partnering with 38 businesses/agencies throughout the county that display the yellow and black Safe Place sign.

This week is designated to recognize the participating businesses, community organizations, youth service agencies and volunteers that are part of the National Safe Place program and work for the safety and well being of at-risk youth. They are commended for their hard work and dedication to support the nation’s youth.

(Submitted)