Created in 1983, Project Safe Place acts as a "first step" that teens can take when they need help but aren't sure where to go. Safe Place Coordinators partner with local businesses, like the ones in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to connect troubled or at-risk teens with local social services."

Children run away from home to escape abuse or neglect, the drug or alcohol problems of family members, and sometimes, family members force them to leave, the Web site stated... 'The program allows a runaway child or a child in distress to get help pretty quick,' [Deputy Fire Chief Jimmy] Francis said."

Safe Place currently operations in multiple cities in 40 states and seeks to expand. There are currently 21 Safe Place locations in Murfreesboro and 16 teens have taken refuge thus far. Read more at DNJ.com.

Labels: abuse, runaways, social_services