Safe Place
Family Connection is an affiliate of National Safe Place and operates the program locally.
Safe Place is a national crisis prevention program for children and teens and a resource for them to get immediate help when necessary, such as escaping a dangerous situation.
Why do teens need a Safe Place? If you are a runaway, lost, in danger, being abused, locked out of the house, kidnapped, having trouble at home or school, avoiding a bully, on an unsafe date or in the car with an unsafe or drunk driver…any time you feel unsafe and need immediate help, Safe Place is there.
How do I access a Safe Place site? The program is free for any child or teen who needs help. Just walk into any building displaying the yellow and black Safe Place sign and tell them that you need help. When you enter a Safe Place site, Family Connection sends a volunteer to the site to provide assistance. We have 44 sites covering Shelby County, City of Hoover, and areas in Jefferson County.
What is TXT 4 HELP?
TXT 4 HELP is a nationwide service offered by National Safe Place to help teens connect to the closest location where they can get immediate help and safety. If you are a young person under 18 years of age and need help, text SAFE and your current location (address/city/state) to 44357. You will receive a text back with the address of the nearest Safe Place site and contact number for Family Connection. You also have the option for an interactive texting session with a mental health specialist.
How to schedule a presentation…Family Connection staff is available to attend community events and to deliver presentations to schools, faith-based groups, and youth clubs. To schedule a Safe Place presentation, call (205) 663-6301 ext.234.
How to become a Safe Place site…Family Connection welcomes new businesses to sign-on as Safe Place sites. In order for a business or organization to become a Safe Place site location, the following commitment must be made:
- Designate responsibility for the Safe Place program to a management level employee, who is at least 21-years-old.
- Notify Family Connection when a young person enters your location seeking Safe Place assistance.
- Provide a safe area where the teen in crisis can wait until a Safe Place volunteer arrives.
- Display the Safe Place sign(s) or decal(s) in a highly visible area on the outside of the location.
- Attend a site training.
- Inform all new employees about the Safe Place program, including appropriate procedures to follow.
Full list of our Safe Place Sites:
