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Alexandria Safe Place

Information on what a Safe Place is in Alexandria, how it was developed, and how to recognize a Safe Place in Alexandria.
Page updated on January 7, 2022 at 6:27 PM

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What is a Safe Place?

  • A community program in which a local agency hosts a network of locations where youth in crisis can get immediate help
  • 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 signs or decals 
  • 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

Where are Safe Place Sites Located in Alexandria?

  • Safe Place Locations (updated August 1, 2017)

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

  • Contact the Alexandria Safe Place Office at 703.746.5400 or Michael Johnson, Alexandria’s National Safe Place Coordinator at michael.johnson@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5571.

Additional Resources

  • National Safe Place 
  • National Runaway Switchboard
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Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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