Alexandria National Safe Place Program

What is National Safe Place?

• It is a SAFE HAVEN, where kids get help FAST!
• 24-hour access to immediate help and support for all young people in crisis
• A network of sites and resources sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses
• A Safety Net for youth that focuses on Intervention and Prevention

How was it Developed?

• Developed in Louisville, KY 1982 and began to be replicated in other cities in 1987
• Program began in response to many calls to the YMCA Shelter House from youth who did not have a way to get there after running away

How Can a “Safe Place Location” be Recognized?

• Bright yellow and black diamond-shaped sign with an adult embracing a youth sheltered by a house
• Every official Safe Place will have this sign attached to the outside of each location

What are the Benefits of Safe Place?

• Offers immediate help and safety
• Creates more awareness for abused, neglected and runaway youth
• Provides opportunities for city agencies and communities to partner
• Law enforcement connects with youth and offer help
• Connects our community to a national program and recognized signage of immediate help and safety
• Displaying Safe Place signs signal a commitment to youth safety
• Provides support to already existing services

How Does Safe Place Work for a Youth Seeking Help?

• A youth in crisis enters a location displaying a Safe Place sign and verbally or non-verbally seeks help
• The youth will wait in a quiet comfortable place while the site Safe Place Manager or the Alexandria Safe Place office is called
• The assigned responder will take over and assess the youth to determine the next step
• If necessary, the youth is transported to a youth service agency
• Counseling and shelter services are arranged, if needed

How Many Safe Place Locations in Alexandria? Where are They?

• Alexandria opened 24 community Safe Place sites at 11 Recreation facilities, 9 Fire Stations, 1 local shelter, 2 non-profit facilities and the Center for Alexandria’s Children.
  • Alxandria Safe Place Locations

Who Do I Contact About Safe Place Information, Presentations or Staff & Site Trainings?

• Contact the Alexandria Safe Place Office at 703.746.5400 or Ann Redfearn, Alexandria’s National Safe Place Coordinator at ann.redfearn@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5400

Additional Resources

• National Safe Place 
• National Runaway Switchboard