The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Young people in crisis have places where they can get help
Sign signals this is a Safe Place if you are young, in trouble.
Q: There is a diamond-shaped yellow sign with black lettering in the store front window of Quik-Trip on Sidney Marcus Boulevard that reads “Safe Place.” What is this about?
A: Safe Place is a national outreach and prevention program for young people under theage of 18 in need of immediate help and safety, according to nationalsafeplace.org.
Adolescents deal with many stressors in today’s world. At one of the pivotal junctures in life, they may find themselves in crisis. Knowing where and howto get help is essential.
“Safe Place is an off-shoot of a program that was started by a local teen shelter in Louisville in 1983,” said the group’s CEO and president, Laurie Jackson.
“We really try to share in communities the importance of letting young people know that this program exists and knowing that not every young person will need it, but we want themto have the information,” she said.
In the Atlanta area there are 10 Safe Place locations at Quik-Trips and three at YMCA centers, according to the center.
Here is how it works: “Wherever you see this sign you know that it’s a safeplace to go if you are in crisis or in need,” said Jackson. “Go in and ask for safety.
“An individual would go into that QT, for example, and say they need help. That QT employee has been trained to provide them with a place out of the way for them to wait, get some information and then call the local agency explaining they have a young person there asking for assistance,” she said.
Jackson said with safeguards in place, the agency sends a trained volunteer who talks with the individual. Based on what is expressed, referrals or transition to a local shelter or agency for additional support and assistance is provided.
“Certainly though if one is under age we are clear with them on the front end that if you come to a shelter and opt to stay, we have to notify your parent or legal guardian,” Jackson said.
“Some will not stay for that very reason,” she added. “But if there is concern about abuse, neglect or circumstances in the home that pose a threat to that young person, child protective services will be contacted.”
Their text optionis available across the country. Text the word “SAFE” to4 Help(44357).
“We also want to make sure we are educating adults because as adults we all know young people,” Jackson said. “It’s our neighbor, a niece, somebody at church.”
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