The program Safe Place is making its way into Douglas County. This program was created to provide help and safety to people under the age of 18 who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or other serious family problems.
Local businesses and community buildings are listed as Safe Place sites. These sites can be identified by the yellow and black Safe Place logos that are on display. Any child can walk into one of the Safe Place sites and tell an employee that they need help. The employee will then contact the Tahoe Youth and Family Services and they will get the help that is needed.
"It is a way for us to show the youth of today that we care and that there are places for them to go for help," said Cheyanne Lane, a member of Tahoe Youth and Family Services.
This prevention and intervention program has been a part of South Lake Tahoe for three years, and is now spreading into Douglas County. It started over 25 years ago in Louisville, Ky.
The programs do presentations at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as attending community events. They pass out cards with a 24-hour emergency hotline, and give out information about Safe Place sites.
In the last three years there have been eight visits to Safe Place sites.
"It doesn't happen everyday, but it does happen," said Lane.
The hotline receives at least 20 calls a month.
There are 20 Safe Place sites in the Douglas area, including the Douglas County Public Library, All About Nails, Bradford Chiropractic, Round Table Pizza, and many others.
Any company that would like to get involved in the program Safe Place, contact Lane at (530) 541-2445 Ext. 110.
