Essential Services
Find benefits and services in the state of Florida for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities.
Public Assistance
Our Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency helps promote strong and economically self-sufficient communities by determining eligibility for food, cash, and medical assistance for individuals and families in Florida.
Child & Family Services
The Florida Department of Children and Families is committed to the well-being of children and their families. Our responsibilities encompass a wide-range of services, including – among other things – assistance to families working to stay safely together or be reunited, foster care, youth and young adults transitioning from foster care to independence, adoption.
Abuse Services
Find help, resources and report abuse, neglect, domestic violence and human trafficking.
Abuse Hotline
The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Find help for Domestic Violence
Human Trafficking
Substance Abuse & Mental Health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program is responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.
Find Help
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call 800-273-8255 right away.
- If you or someone you know is in need of substance abuse and/or mental health services: Find Local Services by County
Licensing
Licensure information for Child Care, Foster Care, SAMH, Group Home and Emergency Notices and Orders.
Background Screening
Find statute, regulatory agency, group and individuals subject to screening.
Parenting & Child Development
Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Good Behavior in Early Childhood
Positive Parenting Guide
This guide provides information about: Child development from birth through the teen years; Tips for creating the stimulating and nurturing environments children need; Tips for managing the challenges of family life; and Contact information for valuable community resources.
Abuse Hotline
The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Call 800-962-2873.
Be prepared to provide specific descriptions of the incident(s) or the circumstances contributing to the risk of harm, including who was involved, what occurred, when and where it occurred, why it happened, the extent of any injuries sustained, what the victim(s) said happened, and any other pertinent information are very important.
Adult Protective Services
We are dedicated to protecting vulnerable adults from further abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect and enabling adults with disabilities to remain in the community.
Who Should Report Abuse?
Florida law requires the reporting of known or suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect of vulnerable adults (elderly or disabled)
Domestic Violence
The Office of Domestic Violence is responsible for providing oversight on the administration of state and federally-funded initiatives designed to intervene and prevent domestic violence and support survivors and their families.
What is Human Trafficking
Children can be victims of human trafficking regardless of their citizenship, residency, or alien or immigrant status. In Florida reports can be made to the Florida abuse hotline.
Explore Adoption
Florida's adoption initiative aimed at promoting the benefits of public adoption. Explore Adoption urges families to consider creating or expanding their families by adopting a child who is older, has special needs, or is a part of a sibling group. Through public education, expanded partnerships and social media, Explore Adoption invites Floridians to learn more about the children immediately available for adoption in their home state and community.
Adoption Resources
For Families
One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent is choosing quality child care for your child. Find resources available to help you make a good choice.
Essential Resources
Becoming a Foster Parent
You have something unique to offer our system of care! Foster parents are integral members of a child’s “team” and ensure all the child’s needs are met. Many foster parents and their families choose to keep their homes active and continue accepting children because they find the experience so meaningful and rewarding. There will be discussions with you on what child best fits the strengths of your family and what is the appropriate amount of time a child should stay in your home. You’ll have the chance to work with your team on what your family has to offer and make decisions together about kids that will benefit the most from your gifts.
Independent Living for Youth and Young Adults
The Department of Children and Families recognizes that the transition into adulthood can be tough for young people. For current and former foster youth, it can be even more difficult without an existing support system. The Office of Continuing Care, part of Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, offers free, one-on-one help for young people who are about to or have recently transitioned out of foster care, aiming to make the leap into adulthood a positive experience.
The Department of Children and Families Public Benefits and Assistance help promote strong and economically self-sufficient communities by determining eligibility for food, cash, and medical assistance for individuals and families in Florida.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program is responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.
