How to Get Help
Prevention focuses not only on identifying and promoting protective factors but also on better understanding how protective factors may contribute to positive outcomes for children and families. The following resources offer support through child welfare systems as well as other sources such as parent support, childcare, crisis support, parenting tips and advice as well as how to access concrete support sources such as food stamps, Medicaid and temporary cash assistance in Florida.
- Florida 2-1-1 Association
Provides free, confidential information and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Trained professionals provide crisis counseling and help callers identify and connect with health and human service programs that can meet a variety of needs including food, housing, employment, health care, and more. Services are available statewide through any cell phone provider as well as through landlines in 58 of Florida’s 67 counties. Additional information is also available online at www.my211florida.org. 2-1-1
- Florida Abuse Hotline (Linea de Ayuda para Reportax Abusos de la Florida)
Florida hotline determines if the information presented complies with the mandates in law and assists all callers with information and referral to enhance the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
- Child Help USA
The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. Professional crisis counselors can provide assistance to callers in 170 languages. All calls are anonymous and confidential. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.childhelpusa.org
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) - Prevent Child Abuse America
PCA America provides education to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. Working with our chapters, we provide leadership to promote and implement prevention efforts at both the national and local levels. Additional information is also available online at www.preventchildabuse.org.
1-800-children (1-800-244-5373) - Boys Town
Provides children with a safe, caring, loving environment where they gain confidence to get better and learn skills to become productive citizens. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional information is also available online at www.boystown.org.
1-800-448-3000 - ACCESS Florida
Toll-free number to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance. Additional information also available online at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
1-866-76ACCESS (1-866-762-2237)
- Florida Office of Early Learning Child Care Resource and Referral Services
Whether you need information, help finding child care or other family assistance, you can turn to Child Care Resource and Referral Services at your local early learning coalition. They can help you find quality child care and connect you with other community resources such as food, medical care, workforce support, housing assistance, creative financial assistance options and more. Additional information is also available online at http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/family-resources/child-care-resource-referral. 1-866-269-3022
- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
An information resource equipped to respond to the public’s alcohol, tobacco, and drug inquiries and distribute free or low-cost culturally-diverse prevention, intervention and treatment resources tailored for use by parents, teachers, youth, communities and prevention/treatment professionals. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional information also available online at www.samhsa.gov 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889 Suicide Prevention LifeLine: 1-888-273-TALK(8255) TTY: 1-800-799-4889
- Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
FDLRS provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services to school district exceptional education programs and families of students with disabilities. Additional information also available online at www.fdlrs.org 850-245-0478
- Florida Afterschool Network
The mission of FAN is to provide unified leadership to advocate for the development, enhancement and sustainability of innovative, high quality afterschool programs and policies statewide. www.myfan.org 850-921-4494 ext. 149
- Community-Based Care
Community-Based Care is a comprehensive redesign of Florida's Child Welfare System. It combines the outsourcing of foster care and related services to competent service agencies with an increased local community ownership of service delivery and design. This innovative statewide reform increases accountability, resource development, and system performance. To find your local Community-Based Care Lead Agency visit the following link: http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/community-based-care
