Hurley Encourages Students to Utilize New Safe2Help Illinois Program

CHICAGO, Ill. – To ensure students are aware of all resources available to them, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is highlighting the new Safe2Help Illinois program for K-12 students. 

“The safety of our children, especially at school, is of the utmost importance ,” said Hurley. “If a student feels unsafe or uncomfortable at school, they should be able to safely and confidently receive help. This program not only gives students and their parents assurance of safety, but also helps to prevent dangerous situations from happening.” 

In response to the fatal school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Illlinois Terrorism Task Force led a working group made up of law enforcement and educators from around Illinois to identify school safety issues and come up with practical solutions. The Safe2Help hotline was a recommendation from the working group. The Safe2Help hotline is a 24-hour program where students can use a free app, text/phone, or the website (Safe2HelpIL.com) to share school safety issues in a confidential environment. Information obtained by Safe2Help Illinois will remain confidential to ensure student privacy and to protect the integrity of the program.  This program is not intended to suspend, expel or punish students; rather, the goal is to encourage students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”. Safe2Help Illinois is available 24/7, and at no cost to all school districts in the state. Once vetted, the information will be shared immediately with local school officials, mental health professionals and/or local law enforcement, depending on the nature of the information. The program also will help local officials by connecting them with mental health resources or other appropriate tools to intervene and help students before they harm themselves or others.For more information, visit: https://www.safe2helpil.com/

“This program is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of our students,” continued Hurley. “I encourage any students who ever feel unsafe at school to utilize this free and life-saving resource.”

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