As part of Safe Place Week, March 20-26, The Children’s Cabinet is hosting local events for youth including a skate night on March 23rd and pizza at Barbara Bennett Park on March 24th. In addition to these events, The Children’s Cabinet is looking to local businesses to expand the network of safe places in Washoe County.
Safe Place is a national program helping teens in crisis with safe, temporary shelter to escape dangerous situations or homelessness. Since 2003, The Children’s Cabinet has provided the program for youth ages 12-17 in Washoe County with a toll-free number (1-800-536-4588) that youth can call 24 hours a day if they feel their safety is threatened. A Children’s Cabinet case manager responds immediately, day or night, meeting the teen in person, providing temporary shelter when needed, and then assisting with family counseling and case management. Safe Place also maintains a network of local businesses that are trained to receive youth and to contact The Children’s Cabinet immediately.
Many of the prominent Safe Place locations in Washoe County include all McDonald’s restaurants, all RTC buses, Washoe County libraries, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and even smaller locations like Sparks United Methodist Church, Wild Island Coconut Bowl, and EZ Air Indoor Trampoline Park. In total, there are 71 walk-up site locations and 120 mobile sites (RTC buses) in Washoe County. With a growing population, the more businesses and the higher visibility for Safe Place, the better.
If businesses would like to place the bright, yellow sign on entrance doors and have staff training on “safe place” practices, call (775) 352-8090.
