TAMPA, Fla. — Whether they've had a fight with their parents or are fleeing domestic abuse in the home, kids and teens without a place to go can visit a "Safe Place" location in Hillsborough County to get assistance.
National Safe Place Week is happening now through March 23 to help raise awareness about the vital program that provides kids, ages 10-17, who are in crisis access to immediate support services.
There are nearly 200 "Safe Place" locations throughout Hillsborough County, including fire stations and libraries. Kids will see the recognizable yellow and black “Safe Place” sign and know they are in a safe place. If kids have access to a cell phone, they can also text SAFE with their location to 4HELP and, within seconds, receive a message with the closest "Safe Place" site and phone number to Children’s Services.
The Safe Place Program is a national organization. In Hillsborough County, the program has been managed by Hillsborough County Children’s Services for more than 30 years. Locally, the program is also in effect in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Staff at "Safe Place" locations are trained to call Children’s Services, which will send a qualified staff member to the location to talk with the youth in need. If necessary, they will provide transportation to the Children’s Services campus in Tampa so the child can receive professional support services.
"For kids to have a program like this just means someone's invested in them, that someone cares," Safe Place Coordinator Doris Gilette said. "If they see that sign, they'll know that agency is invested in providing safety for them."
Hillsborough County Children’s Services relies on its community partners to help keep this program in motion and encourages more organizations to become designated safe places. To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit HCFL.gov/SafePlace.