IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 217 
Recognizing the week of March 15 through March 21, 2009, as ‘‘National 
Safe Place Week’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 5, 2009 
Mr. YARMUTH (for himself and Mrs. BIGGERT) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the week of March 15 through March 21, 2009, 
as ‘‘National Safe Place Week’’. 
Whereas the youth of the United States will determine the 
future strength of our country and will be the bearers of 
our democracy; 
Whereas the youth need a safe haven from various negative 
influences, such as child abuse, substance abuse, depres-
sion, and crime; 
Whereas the youth need resources readily available to assist 
them when faced with circumstances that compromise 
their safety; 
Whereas the Safe Place program is committed to protecting 
youth of the United States by offering short-term hous-
ing at neighborhood locations where trained volunteers 
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•HRES 217 IH 
are available to counsel and advise youth seeking assist-
ance and guidance; 
Whereas the Safe Place program is designated at locations 
where youth can get information and immediate care, in-
cluding businesses, fast food restaurants, convenience 
stores, movie theaters, and community buildings such as 
fire stations, libraries, and community centers; 
Whereas more than 1400 communities in 40 States admin-
ister the Safe Place program at over 16,000 locations; 
Whereas more than 230,000 youth were helped by going to 
a Safe Place location or received counseling by phone as 
a result of information received at school about the Safe 
Place program; 
Whereas in 2008, National Safe Place’s ‘‘Building a Safety 
Net for Youth’’ awareness campaign reached more than 
2.5 million youth and familiarized them with the Safe 
Place sign and provided them with information about 
how to seek help in order to stay safe; 
Whereas the success of the Safe Place program is based on 
public and private collaborations between businesses, 
school systems, fire departments, law enforcement, and a 
network of volunteers; 
Whereas the United States needs increased numbers of com-
munity volunteers serving as mentors and positive influ-
ences on youth; 
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.); 
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•HRES 217 IH 
Whereas Safe Place services are needed for youth in every 
community and services are not available to youth in 10 
States; and 
Whereas increased awareness will encourage more commu-
nities to establish Safe Place program locations where 
youth can readily access the help they need: Now, there-
fore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes ‘‘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. 
Æ 
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