National Safe Place Week helps to raise awareness about the vital program, Safe Place, that provides kids ages 10 to 17 who are in crisis access to immediate support services.
Whether there was a fight with their parents or they 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.
With nearly 200 Safe Place locations in Hillsborough County, including fire stations and libraries, kids can look for the yellow and black “Safe Place” sign.
If kids have access to a cellphone, they can text SAFE with their location to 4HELP and receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number to Children’s Services.
This program has been managed by Hillsborough County Children’s Services for more than 30 years and staff at all “Safe” spots 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, transportation to the Children’s Services campus in Tampa also will be provided so the child can receive professional support services.
To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit HCFL.gov/SafePlace.
Published April 3, 2024
