Every month, children in Pinellas and Pasco counties enter the child welfare system through no fault of their own, removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. While the state covers some of their needs, it often falls short of addressing the deeper impacts of trauma. Suncoast Voices, along with our dedicated donors, meet the unmet needs through our Children’s Needs Program that helps prevent, protect and provide.
Sometimes removal is necessary to keep a child safe, but often relatives are willing to help—they just need basic items like a bed or diapers. Suncoast Voices steps in quickly with those essentials, helping families stay together and children avoid the added trauma of foster care.
In response to Florida’s 2013 law requiring safe sleep arrangements at hospital discharge, Suncoast Voices for Children has stepped up to meet the need—providing nearly 1,000 beds and pack and plays each year, along with car seats and other safety gear for over 500 children.
Children in foster care want what every child wants—a chance to feel normal. The state doesn’t fund the experiences that help kids grow, connect, and thrive. Suncoast Voices steps in to fill that gap, helping create even small moments of joy and support to make a lasting impact in a child’s life
needs met
in children’s needs requests
She is so much happier. It is so helpful that she has everything that she needs, especially in this situation, because her mom wants nothing to do with her.
Get to know local issues to move you into making a change.
Beds/Bedding
Clothes/Shoes
Personal Care Items
Dental Services
Tutoring
School Supplies
Technology
Graduation Fees
Sports
Summer Camp
Birthday & Holiday Gifts
Tae Kwon Do & School Trips
Home Readiness
Licensing Assistance
Placement Stability
Art, Music, Dance
Sibling Visits
Graduation Packages
Here’s a quick overview of Voices’ request process for child protective investigators, case managers and other community partners:
How often are requests reviewed?
Requests are received daily whenever the application is submitted. Licensing items and other essentials are reviewed and ordered immediately, emergency needs requests are typically reviewed within 48 hours and all other larger requests are reviewed every Friday. For normalcy requests, we advise putting in the request at least 2 weeks prior to when you need the request fulfilled to ensure enough time for any follow-up information and payment.
Why is my request not being approved right away?
Typically if a request falls within our guidelines and has not been approved and ordered within the week it is because we are missing important information needed for approval and/or ordering. Please make sure that you provide the most current, up-to-date information about the circumstances, the request information and delivery information.
Who is eligible to receive beds?
Beds can be provided for the children placed with parents, relative and non-relative
caregivers, and Level 1 Licensed Foster Homes.
What happens if the child moves placements?
The bed must move with the child to the new placement.
Are there age restrictions for bunk beds?
Yes. Children on top bunks must be at least 6 years old.
Can beds be provided for reunification?
Yes, but only if the parents are found case plan compliant and the home study is
approved except for the need for beds.
How are beds delivered?
We contract with a professional vendor to ensure safe delivery and setup. If a bed is
purchased or assembled outside of this vendor, Suncoast Voices is not responsible
for the setup or any resulting issues.
What do I need to provide?
Please submit the most up-to-date address and phone number for the caregiver to
ensure timely delivery.
Can Voices help with case plan tasks?
Not if they are court-ordered and already covered by dependency case management
referrals, such as counseling or psychological evaluations.
How do I request clothing?
Start by checking our Style Voiced Clothing Program, with locations in both DCF and
FSS offices in Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
What if the sizes needed aren’t available?
You can submit a request with the child’s sizes and clothing types needed.
Do you provide gift cards for clothing?
We do provide gift cards for clothing for teens ages 13-18 to Marshalls/TJ Maxx for
the case manager to take the child shopping. Gift cards require that the receipt is
turned in after purchase.
Can I request clothing for birthdays or holidays?
Yes, we are flexible with our budget for special occasions.
What if more help is needed?
For help beyond what we are able to provide: Clothes to Kids provides some support
for clothing for children. Stores are located in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, & Tampa
and appointments and referrals are required. The Public Defender’s Office also
maintains clothes closets in both Clearwater and New Port Richey. There are also
many local foster closets that have incredible gently used clothing and items. No
child should be without their basic needs. Please note, licensed foster parents can
request reimbursement up to $75 from case management to purchase clothing for a
child who is newly removed.
What devices can be requested?
We provide laptops or tablets (not iPads or iMacs).
What if the youth has a special need or post-secondary plans?
Reach out to us directly if you believe the request falls outside of our standard
guidelines.
Does Voices assist with delinquency-related court fees?
Yes, but only under limited circumstances and primarily for youth preparing to age
out of foster care in partnership with the Public Defender’s Office Crossover Division.
Please contact us if you’re unsure whether a youth qualifies.
How are items delivered or picked up?
If local pickup is available, we’ll place the order under the requester’s name. If items
must be shipped, confirm with the family whether they should be sent to the
caregiver or to you.
What if the household has specific delivery needs?
Let us know any special instructions when submitting the request.
What do I need to provide?
Make sure we have accurate contact information for the caregiver to avoid delivery
issues.
What should I do in an urgent situation?
Submit the request as usual but also email info@suncoastvoices.org and
abaldwin@suncoastvoices.org with deadline details to flag it for immediate review.
What information is needed for activity funding?
Please include all relevant details such as brochures, links, or an unpaid invoice.
Can caregivers be reimbursed?
Yes, but only if the fees were paid to secure a spot and the request is submitted
within 30 days of the child starting the activity.
How are tutoring sessions funded?
Tutoring is funded in increments of six sessions.
Who finds the tutor?
The CPI/Case Manager is responsible for helping the family locate a tutor. We
recommend Cognitutor.
Who qualifies as a tutor?
Tutors must be certified and currently teaching in, or qualified to teach in, the child’s
school district.
What paperwork is required?
You’ll need to submit an invoice and progress report. If paying an individual, a
completed W-9 must be submitted with the request.
How do I request continuation of tutoring?
Submit a new invoice and progress report prior to additional allotment needed. The
child must have attended all prior sessions.
Can Voices assist with ongoing family expenses?
In general, we do not provide funding for family needs unless there is a specific grant
in place. If grant funding becomes available, we’ll notify our partners.
What if families need additional support?
In Pinellas County, check the Healthy Start Coalition Resource Manual. In Pasco
County, refer to the Pasco Youth Initiative’s Resource Guide.
What items are provided to help caregivers become licensed?
Common requests include fire extinguishers, first aid kits, escape ladders for two-
story homes, and pool safety equipment.
Can I request funding for a phone or phone service for a child?
No. While we understand that phones are a “normalcy” need for teens, we do not
provide funds for phone or phone cards.
Nearly 3,500 children each year and the Board of Directors and Leadership Team has over 300 years of combined experience serving at-risk and abused and neglected children as judges, advocates, teachers, nurses and mentors. Whether we’re providing necessities, financial support, or simply a moment of normalcy, our goal is the same: to show every child we serve that they matter—and that they’re not alone.
Contact Wendy Woolley at wwoolley@suncoastvoices.org or download our sponsorship packet to learn more about becoming an event sponsor.
