Resources for how to help

If you suspect a child has been abused, neglected or abandoned:

You must call the Department of Children & Families hotline, at (800) 96-ABUSE, or (800)962-2873. Under a 2012 Florida law, all Floridians are “mandatory reporters,” meaning any one who suspects abuse must report it.

If you, a friend or a relative are in need of community services to help you provide for your children:

You can dial 211 in most parts of the state, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe and Collier counties.

Healthy Families Florida offers hands-on parenting assistance to needy or stressed parents of newborns. Visit website →

If your child is disabled, or you believe she or he may be:

You may seek diagnosis or intervention through the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System. FDLRS’ Child Find program can help link parents with needed services. Visit website →

If you believe a loved one is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction, and they are unwilling to seek treatment:

You may file a petition for involuntary treatment under the Marchman Act. There is a handbook on the use of the treatment act: See the handbook →

If you believe a loved one is suffering from untreated mental illness, and that illness impedes his or her ability to parent — and if that loved one refuses to accept treatment:

You may file a petition for involuntary mental health treatment under Florida’s Baker Act, which requires that person be a danger to himself or herself as a criteria for commitment. There is a user reference guide for the Baker Act: See reference guide →

You may also seek information on mental health treatment at the Florida Council for Community Mental Health: Visit website →

If you believe a friend or loved on is being physically abused by a domestic partner:

You may call the state’s domestic violence hotline at (800) 500-1119, or go to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website: Visit website →

If you are raising your grandchildren, or the children of other relatives, and you need help:

You may seek the aid of the Kinship Support Center at the University of South Florida’s School of Social Work: Visit website →

If you wish to write or call your local lawmaker:

Members of both the state House and Senate are listed on a state website called “Online Sunshine,” which also includes phone numbers, email addresses and mailing addresses. Visit website →

Find your state lawmakers

Members of the Senate’s Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee can be found here.

Member of the House’s Health & Human Services Committee can be found here.

If you wish to contact Gov. Rick Scott:

Gov. Scott’s phone number is (850)488-7146.

His mailing address is:

Gov. Scott’s email is Rick.Scott@eog.myflorida.gov.

The contact page within Gov. Scott’s website may be found here.