The Juvenile Justice Board meeting held on May 17, 2025, in Hillsborough County, Florida, featured a significant presentation by Stephanie Krager, a representative from Phoenix House, Florida. Krager, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a law enforcement officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, addressed the pressing issue of substance abuse among youth.

Krager began by sharing her journey into understanding children's services related to substance use. She highlighted a gap in knowledge regarding available programs for youth, which prompted discussions within the local planning committee focused on children's issues tied to substance use and mental health.

As a result of these discussions, Krager announced the organization of a Children and Adolescent Substance Use Forum, tentatively scheduled for August 27. This event will be a collaborative effort involving Phoenix House, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Success for Kids and Families, and Hillsborough County Children's Services. The forum aims to bring together professionals from various sectors, including education, law enforcement, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), to enhance understanding of substance use issues affecting children and to present available treatment options.

Krager emphasized the importance of sharing real-life experiences, mentioning that a father, who is an emergency room physician, will speak about his son's struggle with addiction to Delta 8 and Delta 9. This personal story, highlighting the impact of peer-led programs in Hillsborough County, aims to inspire and inform attendees about effective support systems for youth facing substance use challenges.

The meeting concluded with Krager committing to send further details about the forum to Mr. Parkinson, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed and can participate in this crucial initiative. The discussions underscored a collective effort to address youth substance abuse and improve access to necessary resources in the community.