Safe Place
Safe Place is one of three approaches to reach out to youth in crisis. 
Safe Place is affiliated with the National Safe Place Program and adheres to all aspects of this national model of program delivery. Safe Place sites are located across St. Joseph County. These sites are businesses that are open 24 hours or late into the evening and are typically places a youth would be comfortable frequenting. The sites are designated with a large triangular yellow sign. Employees are trained to respond to a youth in crisis by making him/her comfortable and contacting Safe Station. A volunteer or staff member is dispatched to provide a brief assessment that determines if shelter is needed. If so, the youth is transported to Safe Station. If not, the youth is given a number of resources they may contact as well as offering to provide intervention in family problems. The Safe Place Coordinator makes numerous presentations to school and community groups during the year in order to familiarize youth with the Safe Place sign. In September of 2004, all Transpo buses as well as the South Street Station were designated as Safe Places. This event has dramatically increased the safety net for youth available across the county. Since that time numerous locations have been added including the South Bend Fire Stations and the main South Bend Public Library.