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.
Adult Protective Services
Florida law requires the reporting of known or suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect of vulnerable adults (elderly or disabled).
Behavioral Health Ombudsman
The single state authority on mental health and substance use disorder, and responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults through a community-based provider network.
Child & Family Services
DCF is committed to the well-being of children and their families. Our responsibilities encompass a wide-range of services including assistance to families working to stay safely together or be reunited, foster care, youth and young adults transitioning from foster care to independence, adoption.
Child Care
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.
Children's Ombudsman
The single state authority on mental health and substance use disorder, and responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults through a community-based provider network.
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.
Explore 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.
Foster Parents
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.
Homelessness
The Office on Homelessness (Office) serves as a single point of contact in state government for agencies, organizations, and stakeholders that serve the homeless population. The Office oversees policy and funding toward ending homelessness and serving persons experiencing homelessness and recognizes and designates local Continuum of Care (CoC) entities to serve as lead agencies for the homeless assistance system throughout Florida.
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.
Licensing & Background Screening
- 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.
Prevention
Substance Abuse Prevention is a proactive, comprehensive system that is designed to preclude, forestall, or impede the development of substance abuse problems, primarily for youth. Learn more about prevention methods.
Public Benefits and Services
Government 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.
Public Benefits Integrity (PBI)
The Office of Public Benefits Integrity is responsible for investigating government assistance fraud or misuse regarding the SNAP (Food Assistance), TANF (Cash Assistance), and Medicaid programs by individuals. We are dedicated to preventing, detecting, and recovering waste, fraud and abuse within the government assistance programs.
Refugee Services
The Department of Children and Families’ Refugee Services Program is federally funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Department of Health and Human Services to assist refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency and social adjustment within the shortest possible time after their arrival in the United States.
Parenting & Child Development
Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Good Behavior in Early Childhood
Services for Providers
Find information for Providers - Providers Listing, Managing Entities, FASAMS, Training and more.
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.
Treatment
Addiction is a problem that can affect people of any age and background. Find out about the various treatment options.
Youth & Young Adults
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.