Championing Issues That Impact Youth Safety and Well-Being
National Safe Place Network contributes to national conversations impacting youth safety and the organizations serving them. NSPN’s position statements reflect the lived experiences of young people, the expertise of youth-serving professionals, and the emerging needs identified across the nation.
These positions guide NSPN’s training, resource development, partnership strategies, and outreach—ensuring the network remains responsive to the challenges youth and families face in communities across the country.
Our Position Statements
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.
NSPN’s advocacy efforts focus on strengthening systems of care and improving outcomes for youth nationwide.
Advocacy in Action
NSPN uses its position statements to guide national and local advocacy efforts, helping strengthen community responses and support systems for young people. Through collaboration, training, and resource development, NSPN works alongside partners to address challenges affecting youth and the organizations serving them.
National Engagement & Policy Leadership
Collaborating with federal agencies, national coalitions, and youth-serving networks to support policies and practices that expand safety, resources, and community support for young people.
Training & Capacity Building
Developing training, tools, and technical assistance that help agencies navigate challenges such as housing instability, mental health needs, service accessibility, and other barriers that impact youth and families.
Public Education
& Awareness
Raising awareness of the issues impacting youth—including homelessness, exploitation, longstanding community barriers, and family conflict—and promoting field-informed solutions that strengthen local responses.
Strengthening Community-Based Support Systems
Partnering with Safe Place agencies, youth care workers, and community organizations to expand accessible, supportive, and effective services for young people across the country.
NSPN’s advocacy efforts are grounded in practical strategies that help communities respond to the needs of youth and families.
