The Safe Spaces for Youth pilot project has been launched on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island by the Department of Human Services Office of Youth Services in partnership with Hawaii Youth Services Network. As part of this pilot project, Hawaii will introduce the nationally recognized Safe Place program.
Yellow and black diamond-shaped signs will be displayed at organizations on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island, signaling the launch of the Safe Spaces for Youth Pilot Project. This initiative provides outreach and prevention services for youth in need of immediate help and safety. The Safe Place program is funded by the Hawai‘i State Office of Youth Services, Hale Kipa, The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services, and Hawaii Youth Services Network.
“Our youth have told us that they need safe places to go when it is not safe for them at home or to get help with problems like bullying and mental health,” said Hawaii Youth Services Network Executive Director Judith Clark. “They will now have safe places in their local communities where they can seek help.”
The Safe Place initiative on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island is part of a national network of Safe Place programs in 38 states and the District of Columbia. More than 22,000 community businesses and organizations nationwide display the yellow Safe Place sign, making help readily available for youth. Current Safe Place locations include The Salvation Army in Hilo and Hale Kipa in Honolulu, with additional sites being recruited and trained.
“Through public and private partnerships, Safe Place provides a consistent system of response for youth experiencing homelessness and crisis. Providing young people with clearly identified locations and contact numbers to access needed services is critical for their safety and well-being,” said Office of Youth Services Executive Director Leanne Gillespie.
More than 1.5 million youth run away from home each year due to abuse, neglect, family conflicts, and other issues. The Safe Place program offers a crucial option for young people who feel they have nowhere to turn. Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to become Safe Place sites by displaying the Safe Place sign.
About the Office of Youth Services:
The Office of Youth Services (OYS) provides a continuum of services for at-risk youth to prevent delinquency and reduce recidivism rates while ensuring accountability for all youth services in Hawai‘i.
About the Hawaii Youth Services Network:
Hawaii Youth Services Network (HYSN) is a statewide coalition that offers organizational capacity building through training and technical assistance to youth-serving agencies in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
About the National Safe Place Network:
Since its inception in 1983, Safe Place has helped more than 380,000 youth nationally across over 1,500 communities. Over 22,000 businesses participate as Safe Place sites such as restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses, and libraries. National Safe Place Network also operates TXT 4 HELP—a text-for-support service available 24/7.
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