Oviedo Fire Dept. Joins Safe Place Program for Youth in Crisis

The City of Oviedo Fire Department now participates in the Safe Place Program, a national initiative providing immediate help and resources to young people in crisis.

Oviedo Fire Station 46, at 725 S. Central Avenue, and Oviedo Fire Station 48, at 1930 County Rd 419, are now designated Safe Place locations.

Youth in crisis can enter either fire station, identify themselves by looking for the Safe Place sign or decal, and tell the first employee they need Safe Place help. An employee will then direct the youth to a quiet area and contact the local Safe Place coordinator. A Safe Place volunteer or staff member is expected to arrive within 20 to 30 minutes to transport the youth to a designated agency for support, which may include counseling or temporary shelter.

At the agency, counselors work with youth and their families to offer support, resources, and professional referrals. The program aims to inform family members or guardians that the youth is safe and receiving assistance.

Young people typically learn about the Safe Place Program through school presentations, which provide an information card detailing the free and confidential services and the local Safe Place phone number. Public service announcements also raise awareness.