HI HB844

Requires the Office of Youth Services to coordinate a two-year Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program in partnership with private organizations to provide a network of safe places where youth can access safety, advice, guidance, programs, and services.

Establishes a Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program Coordinator position responsible for coordinating the network, maintaining listings of safe places, providing training in emergency response and trauma, building awareness through partnerships with schools and youth organizations, and convening annual meetings.

Safe places network shall provide access to domestic violence prevention, violence and trauma recovery, human trafficking resources, suicide prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, substance abuse support, educational and vocational assistance, and life skills programs.

Office of Youth Services must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 regular session, including whether the pilot program should continue, be modified, or terminated.

Appropriates funds for one full-time coordinator position and residential options for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, with the pilot program ending June 30, 2019.