Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. John Yarmuth

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Safe Place Awareness Week. Every year in America, as many as 2.8 million young people run away from or are pushed out of their homes. Almost half of them do so because of a family conflict.

A young person in crisis is often scared and confused. The distinctive yellow-and-black sign that marks a Safe Place location is a universal symbol of safety and assistance. It signifies a place--a business, school, fire station, library, or many others--where a young person in crisis can get help.

There are almost 20,000 Safe Place locations throughout the country, in 40 states and 1,562 communities. During the past 12 years, National Safe Place agencies have counseled nearly 90,000 young people in person and more than 110,000 via telephone.

Sadly, the need for Safe Place services continues to grow. In response, National Safe Place is seeking to give more young people a place to turn for help--regardless of their circumstance.

[Mr.] Speaker, I have introduced a resolution recognizing March 18 24 as ``National Safe Place Awareness Week.'' The goal is not only to have more signs hanging across the country, it is to raise awareness and support of the vital programs National Safe Place provides for young people in the most vulnerable of situations.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.