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.
Our Impact
6.2M
Economic Self-Sufficiency customers served last year
4K
Children adopted last year
News & Events
29
Mar
Understanding the Complexities of IPV High Risk Factors
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Series Title: Understanding the Complexities of IPV High Risk Factors
Training #1: Overview of Common High Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence
Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 10:00AM-11:30AM
29
Mar
Bid Opening for DCF ITB 2122 069 – Northeast Florida State Hospital Window Replacement
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bid Opening for DCF ITB 2122 069 – Northeast Florida State Hospital Window Replacement
Learn more30
Mar
Meeting of Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Meeting of Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council
Learn more