All children, birth through age five, should be screened regularly prior to school entry. Developmental screening is important because each child grows differently. If a child misses a critical stage, they may have a developmental delay.

The Children's Board of Hillsborough County (www.childrensboard.org) has partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in developing the Child Development Infoline (CDI) and resource database.  Parents, family members, and friends who have questions about a child's development, behavior, or learning can call the CDI to speak with a care coordinator. The care coordinator will conduct a developmental screening to identify areas in which a child's development may differ from what is considered normal development in children of the same age. If a concern is identified, the care coordinator will help direct the caregiver to appropriate community resources and additional support.

To reach the Child Development Infoline, call 813-425-GROW (4769).   

There are numerous emotional, financial, and interpersonal challenges to being a parent that can be overwhelming to anyone. Sometimes a family needs help to improve their communication skills and the relationships between family members.

Strengthening Families is a skills building program for families with children ages 3-17. The program is proven to help families get along better and improve children's behavior problems.  Participants go through a 10-lesson skills building course and are supported by weekly conference calls with a mentor, along with monthly in-person meetings.

The program has a proven track record. Five year follow up research demonstrates that 75% of parents experienced less family stress and conflict and 84% of parents did better problem-solving with their children. To learn more about Strengthening Families, click HERE. 

On a warm and sunny Saturday evening in late April, a crowd gathered on the waterfront of North Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Teal and purple streamers, balloons, and ribbons adorned the stage, exhibit tables, and tents throughout the park as the first musical artist took the stage to kick off Take Back The Night 2016.

Take Back The Night is a celebration of the resiliency of sexual assault and domestic abuse survivors. The evening provides the opportunity for survivors to connect with other survivors, and for people to raise their voice in unity in the fight against both types of violence.

Lissette Campos from ABC Action News and Drew Garabo from 102.5 The Bone served as emcees for the evening's program which included an empowerment march, anti-violence pledge, and candlelight vigil.

Many thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who helped make Take Back The Night 2016 a success!

There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Walk a Mile in Her Shoes� asks men to literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes. It's not an easy walk. There are a few stumbles and bumbles, but it's a fun way to get the community to talk about something that can be difficult to discuss: gender relations and men's sexualized violence against women.

On April 27th, students, staff, and friends of Nova Southeastern University in Tampa gathered on campus with a common cause, to increase sexual assault awareness and prevention in our community.  Over 70 people participated in the walk where almost $1,000 was raised to support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Thanks to Nova Southeastern University faculty, staff, students, business partners and the school's Diversity & Inclusion committee for making the Crisis Center part of this great evening!