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.
Parenting & Child Development
Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Good Behavior in Early Childhood
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 988 right away.
- If you or someone you know is in need of substance abuse and/or mental health services: Find Local Services by County
- If you or someone you know needs access to crisis counseling services following a natural disaster: Project COPE
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.
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. You can reach the Office of Continuing Care at (833) GET-HOPE or (833) 438-4637.
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Our Impact
6.2M
Economic Self-Sufficiency customers served last year
4K
Children adopted last year
News & Events
11
Jan
Orange County Red Sand Event
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
This interactive event raises awareness for human trafficking victims—those who fall through the cracks of society’s systems. Participants will fill sidewalk cracks with red sand to symbolize solidarity with survivors and bring attention to this pressing issue.
Learn more13
Jan
14
Jan
Hillsborough Community Alliance Meeting
9:00 am – 10:00 am
The Department of Children and Families announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.
Learn more