The Child and Family Counseling Program has two components designed to help families whose children exhibit risk factors that make them susceptible to Juvenile Delinquency but who have not been arrested for crimes. These factors include school problems, family behavioral problems, poor peer relations and or the use of drugs and/or alcohol.

Families may receive help in a community setting through the Children in Need of Services - Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) non-residential office. Trained counselors provide family therapy at sites throughout Hillsborough County.

Families with Children deemed at risk may receive short term residential care at the Lake Magdalene Campus of the Department of Children’s Services. Children will receive individual and group counseling as well as participate in a structured and supervised program designed to help children learn more appropriate behavior and participate in family life without resorting to ungovernable behavior. Parents also receive family therapy.

Other aspects of the program include a county wide system of “Safe Place” sites where runaway youth may request services and get transportation to the youth shelter. Also included in the service array is the “Case Staffing Committee” where parents may file a “Seven Day Letter” which is a formal document to request their child’s case be brought to the attention of a judge. Screening for services is available 24 hours per day. Bi-lingual services are available.

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