One in five youth and young adults experience mental health challenges, yet nearly 60% do not receive the support they need. According to feedback from young people across New York State, one of the challenges they face is a lack of safe spaces.
In response to this feedback, the Office of Mental Health is announcing funds for 3-5 pilot Youth Safe Space Programs. The programs will target individuals ages 12–24.
The pilot programs will create standalone Youth Safe Spaces and identify other community spaces that could part of a Safe Space Program such as: