Hillsborough County teens and children in crisis can receive help by sending a single text message, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County’s Children’s Services wants to remind kids and teens that there are nearly 200 ‘Safe Place’ locations for kids in need.
Safe Place is a national initiative locally managed by Hillsborough County Children’s Services that provides access to help and supportive resources for youth in need.
So, whether they’ve had a fight with their parents or are fleeing domestic abuse in the home, youth under the age of 18 can visit any of the dozens of Safe Place locations in Hillsborough County, most of which are open 24/7, to get assistance. From fire stations to libraries, and even many McDonald’s locations, there are staff trained to help, the news release says.
Each location displays the recognizable yellow and black “Safe Place” sign to provide a visual cue for kids to know they are in a safe place.
Kids and teens in crisis can text SAFE with their current location to 4HELP (44357) and, within seconds, receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number to Children’s Services.
The employee at the Safe Place location will call Hillsborough County Children’s Services and within 30 minutes to 60 minutes, a qualified Safe Place volunteer or staff member will arrive to talk to the youth, and, if necessary, provide transportation to the Children’s Services campus in Tampa.
Once at the campus, counselors meet with the youth and their family to make sure they receive the help and professional services they need.
For more information about Safe Place in Hillsborough County, including how your organization can become a Safe Place location, visit HCFLGov.net/Children.
Published March 29, 2023
