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Department of Human Services

Working together with communities to support families and protect children.

Department of Human Services

Notice: The Department of Human Services is working to support Philadelphia’s children and families during COVID-19. View our updated policies, guidance, and resources.

What we do

Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services is the county child welfare and juvenile justice agency and is overseen by the Office of Children and Families. Our mission is to provide and promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect, and delinquency. Our main service areas include:

  • Prevention. We work with families to safely care for children in their own home to reduce child abuse and neglect.
  • Child Welfare. We operate Philadelphia’s child abuse hotline, investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect, and help children involved with DHS achieve a permanent home. We manage the private organizations (Community Umbrella Agencies) that provide case management and other support services in 10 geographic regions throughout Philadelphia.
  • Foster and Adoption. We contract with state-licensed agencies who certify homes as placements for children and youth who are not safe in their own homes. The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their families. When this is not possible, as determined by the courts, many resource parents choose to adopt the children who are in their care. Find out how to become a foster parent and how to adopt a child.
  • Juvenile Justice. We operate the county’s juvenile detention facility, manage contracts for court-ordered youth programs, and work to divert youth from the formal justice system through intensive prevention services.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email dhscommunications@phila.gov
Phone: (215) 683-4347 for information
(215) 683-6000 for complaints
Social

Events

  • Oct
    12
    NET CUA 1 & 7: Pretty in Pink Pancake Brunch
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm
    The Monkey & The Elephant, 2831 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

    NET CUA 1 & 7: Pretty in Pink Pancake Brunch

    October 12, 2024
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2 hours
    The Monkey & The Elephant, 2831 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
    map
  • Oct
    15
    CUA 10: Parent Cafe-The Power of Positive Reinforcement
    5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
    Juvenile Justice Services Center, 91 N 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139, USA

    CUA 10: Parent Cafe-The Power of Positive Reinforcement

    October 15, 2024
    5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, 2 hours
    Juvenile Justice Services Center, 91 N 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139, USA
    map
  • Oct
    16
    CUA 6: Virtual Parent Café, Pumpkin Pie
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm

    CUA 6: Virtual Parent Café, Pumpkin Pie

    October 16, 2024
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2 hours
    When Life Gives You Pumpkins, Make Pumpkin Pie: Making the best of Something Zoom ID: 925 5808 5401 No passcode needed Protective Factors: Resilience & Social Connections Robin 267-372-9805 Jasmine 267-443-0056

Our programs

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