S.B. 979 Summary

• Requires the Office of Youth Services to implement a five-year Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program beginning July 1, 2016, operating until June 30, 2021, to coordinate safe locations where youth ages 14-20 in crisis can access services and support.

• Establishes a Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program Coordinator position (exempt from civil service) to coordinate the network, establish assessment tools and protocols, train service providers, and convene annual meetings to review program effectiveness.

• Allows youth under age 18 in crisis to consent to services from designated service providers when parents cannot be contacted, refuse consent but the youth would face harm if returned home, or the youth refuses to provide parent contact information but faces potential harm.

• Service providers must document efforts to contact parents, conduct assessments on youth safety, report suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate agencies, and provide services including domestic violence prevention, suicide prevention, substance abuse support, family counseling, and educational/vocational assistance.

• Appropriates funds for the coordinator position and temporary housing for participating youth; requires annual legislative reports from 2016-2021 on program status, outcomes, and plans for sustainability beyond the pilot period.