HONOLULU — In times of crisis, every youth deserves a safe place to go. The Department of Human Services’ Office of Youth Services, in partnership with the Hawaii Youth Services Network, has launched the Safe Spaces for Youth pilot project on Oahu and Hawaii Island as part of the nationally recognized Safe Place program.

What You Need To Know

  • Over 1.5 million youth run away from home each year because of abuse, neglect, family conflict and other issues

  • Yellow and black diamond-shaped signs will be placed at businesses and organizations designated as Safe Place sites, places where youth can turn to when they feel they have nowhere else to turn

  • Over 22,000 businesses and organizations in 38 states and the District of Columbia display the Safe Place sign. Locations include libraries, YMCAs, restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and social service facilities

  • Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to become Safe Place sites to make a difference in a young person’s life

The program provides outreach and prevention services for youth in need of immediate help and safety and is a partnership funded by the Hawaii State Office of Youth Services, Hale Kipa, The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services and Hawaii Youth Services Network.

Over 1.5 million youth run away from home each year because of abuse, neglect, family conflict and other issues, according to a news release.

“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 in the release. “They will now have safe places in their local communities where they can seek help.”

Yellow and black diamond-shaped signs will be placed at businesses and organizations designated as Safe Place sites, places where youth can turn to when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.

More than 22,000 businesses and organizations in 38 states and the District of Columbia display the Safe Place sign. Locations include libraries, YMCAs, restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, public buses and social service facilities. The Salvation Army in Hilo and Hale Kipa in Honolulu are two Hawaii locations with more sites being recruited and trained so that they can connect youth in crisis with resources and support.

“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.

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to become Safe Place sites to make a difference in a young person’s life. To learn more about becoming a Safe Place site, contact:

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Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.