Each night in King County, WA there are between 700 and 1,000 youth who have no safe place to sleep. Many flee abuse at home, some are kicked out and have nowhere to go, others have families that just can't afford to keep them. Safe Place is a national organization operating in over 40 states to help youth in crisis. King County Library System covers 3,400 square miles and has 48 libraries, all of which are designated Safe Place sites. Each site has the bright yellow window decal which states: "Are you a youth in crisis? Let library staff know and we will direct you to assistance." The window decal includes the 800 number, so if the youth needs help after hours, they can reach a Safe Place counselor. When a youth asks for help, library staff places a call to the 800 number and a Safe Place counselor will come to the library location within 45 minutes to assist that youth. On the first day Safe Place was implemented, a 15 year old boy asked staff for help, saying his father had thrown him out of the house and he had nowhere to go.

Partnering with community agencies who provide services to at risk youth and raise awareness that the public library is a Safe Place. Training 1200 King County Library System employees to respond appropriately to ensure the safety of any youth in crisis in our libraries. All staff are required to view a PowerPoint presentation on the service in our Training Catalog. Print materials were also created to inform staff and youth in our service area. King County Library System serves 18 school districts, ranging from Skykomish with 38 students in grades K-12 to the Kent School District with over 26,000 students in grades K-12. Teen Services Librarians talked about Safe Place in their visits to middle schools, junior high schools and high schools.

Youth throughout the King County Library System service area will recognize that their public library is a Safe Place where they can connect with professional counselors at a time of crisis. Studies have shown that a youth who is on the street will be approached by a predator or commit a crime to get food, within 72 hours. Library staff will be empowered to help youth in crisis. King County Library System will strengthen relationships with partner agencies serving homeless youth. All of the partner agencies have had positive experiences with the Safe Place program and this has led to other collaborations serving youth in our communities.