H.B. 2157 Summary

• Requires the Office of Youth Services to coordinate a two-year Safe Places for Youth Pilot Program in partnership with private organizations to provide youth access to 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 to designated organizations, and building awareness in partnership with the Department of Education and youth services organizations.

• Pilot program shall provide access to services including 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 development.

• Requires the Office of Youth Services to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 regular session with findings, recommendations, and whether the pilot program should be continued, modified, or terminated.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the coordinator position and residential options, with the pilot program ceasing to exist on June 30, 2020; effective July 1, 2018.