HB 395 Summary

• Requires the Office of Youth Services to establish and coordinate a five-year safe places for youth pilot program beginning July 1, 2016, operating until June 30, 2021, to provide a statewide network where youth ages 14-20 in crisis can access safety and services.

• Creates the position of safe places for youth pilot program coordinator to oversee the network, establish assessment tools and protocols, provide training, build awareness, and convene annual meetings with service providers.

• Allows youth under 18 years of age to consent to services from designated service providers when parents cannot be contacted, refuse consent with evidence of harm, or when the youth refuses to provide contact information but the provider reasonably believes harm would result from immediate return home.

• Establishes that service providers can offer comprehensive services including domestic violence prevention, suicide prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, substance abuse support, family counseling, and other youth-focused programs.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to establish the coordinator position and provide temporary housing for youth participants in the pilot program.