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Public Health Department recommending the Board confirm its support of the El Dorado County Safe Place Program and direct the Director of said Department to provide all necessary support to staff involved in said Program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: Funding for the program is available in the Alcohol and Drug Prevention budget. There is no net County cost.
Background: Partnering with the El Dorado County Youth Commission and New Morning Youth and Family Services, El Dorado County has taken the lead as the coordinating agency for the Safe Place Program, which will be implemented on the Western Slope of El Dorado County. Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own. This community initiative involves the whole community to provide safe havens and resources for youth in crisis.
Reason for Recommendation: Currently, New Morning Youth and Family Services operates a facility for use as a "safe place" for the youth in El Dorado County in need of safe shelter. Eventually, the Safe Place Program in El Dorado County will create a network of "Safe Place locations" - youth friendly businesses, schools, fire stations and other appropriate public buildings that display the distinctive yellow and black Safe Place sign. These Safe Place sites will extend the doors of the shelter provided by New Morning throughout the community. Youth will be able to access immediate help wherever they are. The Program in El Dorado County shall reach out to youth between the ages of 12 to 17 years old.
Safe Place is the first step to help for any youth in crisis or at risk. This community collaboration program, operated by youth shelters or youth serving agencies makes it possible for any youth to access help at locations including fast food restaurants, convenience stores, fire stations, libraries and city buses which display the Safe Place sign. Youth can easily find help at Safe Place sites in their own neighborhood whenever they need it. Safe Place connects youth to immediate help and safety and offers supportive services to both youth and their families.
In order to participate in the program a County staff person will need to attend a mandatory training held in Chicago, Illinois on February 5 & 6, 2008.
Action to be taken following Board approval: Board to direct Public Health Director to provide support to the program, including, but not limited to, staff support to the Youth Commission, sending staff to mandated training, making other associated purchases, etc.
Contact: Carol Dunn at X 6226