Position Statements 

National Safe Place Network recognizes the need for advocacy in our field is greater than ever, and we are determined to take a stand on issues that are crucial to the youth and families we serve.  After surveying the Network for priorities, the following key positions were established. 

Access to Affordable Housing

  • Belief: We believe all youth and young adults should be able to access safe, stable, and affordable housing in the community of their choosing.
  • Action: We develop training and resources for members to advocate for safe and affordable housing for all youth.
  • Advocacy: We advocate for funding, resources, and public support to provide sufficient safe, stable, affordable housing distributed across communities in areas of social and economic opportunity.

Mental Health

  • Belief: We believe all youth and young adults should have equal access to affordable, comprehensive, high-quality mental health care.
  • Action: We promote mental health services for young people with a variety of needs by providing training and resources to agencies.  
  • Advocacy: We advocate for quality mental health care and supportive services for youth, inform the public to combat misperceptions and stigma, and teach young people skills for self advocacy.

LGBTQ+ Youth

  • Belief: We believe all LGBTQ+ youth and young adults should have access to equitable services.
  • Action: We expand safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies by supporting and developing capacity.
  • Advocacy: We partner with LGBTQ+ youth and their allies to advocate for equity and social justice.

Systemic Racism

  • Belief: We recognize that institutional racism and social injustice oppress youth and families of color. NSPN stands firmly against all forms of racism.
  • Action: We increase awareness, provide resources, and develop capacity for inclusive and equitable services and assist agencies with building organizational cultures that lead to the eradication of institutional racism.
  • Advocacy: We intentionally infuse anti-racism into our advocacy efforts.