HI SB979

Establishes a five-year Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program (July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2021) coordinated by the Office of Youth Services to provide youth ages 14-20 in crisis with access to safe locations and services.

Creates the position of Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program Coordinator (exempt from civil service) to coordinate the network, establish assessment tools and protocols, provide training, and convene annual meetings with service providers.

Allows youth under 18 years old to consent to services without parental consent if the service provider cannot contact parents, parents refuse consent and the youth would face harm, or the youth refuses to provide contact information and would face harm if returned home.

Requires service providers to offer access to domestic violence prevention, human trafficking resources, suicide prevention, substance abuse support, behavioral health counseling, family mediation, dating violence prevention, and other youth-specific services and programs.

Appropriates $1 for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 for the coordinator position and temporary housing for participating youth; requires annual reporting to the legislature on program status and sustainability plans.