Position Statements & Advocacy
National Safe Place Network (NSPN) provides national leadership in youth safety, crisis response, and community-based support systems. As a trusted authority in the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) field, NSPN advances policies and practices that protect young people, strengthen service systems, and support communities in responding effectively to youth in crisis.
Through strategic partnerships, evidence-informed advocacy, and a nationwide network of youth-serving agencies, NSPN elevates the issues most critical to the safety and well-being of youth and young adults. These board-approved position statements reflect NSPN’s values, priorities, and commitment to shaping a safer future for young people across the United States.
These statements guide NSPN’s advocacy efforts, inform training and resource development, and serve as a framework for public policy work and national collaboration.
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.
Advocacy in Action
NSPN uses these position statements to guide national and local advocacy efforts, working to strengthen systems of support for young people by:
National Engagement & Policy Leadership
Collaborating with federal agencies, national coalitions, and youth-serving networks to advance policies that expand safety, resources, and support for youth in crisis.
Training & Capacity Building
Developing training, tools, and technical assistance that help agencies respond effectively to challenges such as housing instability, mental health needs, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and racism.
Public Education & Awareness
Raising awareness of the issues impacting youth—including homelessness, exploitation, systemic barriers, and family conflict—and promoting solutions grounded in compassion, safety, and community collaboration.
Strengthening Community-Based Support Systems
Partnering with Safe Place agencies, youth care workers, and community organizations to expand accessible, trauma-informed, youth-centered services across the country.
Connect With NSPN
To learn more about NSPN’s advocacy efforts or to explore partnership opportunities, contact:
info@nspnetwork.org
