Project Start Off Smart (SOS)

Project Start Off Smart (SOS) is an initiative of the Homestead Police Department that integrates law enforcement and human services personnel. The combination of services provides a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the community. This unique partnership is comprised of personnel from the Homestead Police Department (HPD), Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), Department of Children & Families (DCF), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA), Governor’s Task Force: Domestic and Sexual Violence, Miami/Metro Dade Department of Human Services, Family Builders, M.U.J.E.R., WE CARE, and Homestead/Florida City Weed and Seed.

Project SOS works as a team to coordinate community services in the Homestead area. The approach used is to address the cause as well as the crime, resulting in a reduction of repeat offenses. By housing all agencies within the police department, a collaborative effort is created with the immediate implementation of services. In addition, monitoring and follow-up assures effectiveness and continuing support for our clients.

Project SOS accepts all referrals pertaining to residents of the Homestead area. The most frequent requests for assistance involve:

• CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
• SEXUAL ABUSE/EXPLOITATION
• SUBSTANCE ABUSE
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
• UNGOVERNABLE CHILDREN
• MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
• HOUSING
• PARENTING
• ELDERLY ABUSE/NEGLECT
• MISSING/RUNAWAY CHILDREN

Once a referral is made, an assessment is completed, usually within forty-eight hours, and local services are provided.