Generally, Alabama law requires the Department of Human Resources “to seek out, through investigation, complaints from citizens, or otherwise, the minor children…in need of its care and protection and … aid such children to a fair opportunity in life.”

The department works closely with the child and the parents or caretaker through direct counseling or referral to appropriate helping professionals or agencies. The purpose of providing these services is to keep the family unit together, if possible.

If removal of the child from his home is necessary, the department will petition the court for custody and make plans for substitute care of the child.

The department will continue to work with the child and seek to work with the parents to prepare them for the time when the child may be returned to their home or receive continued care elsewhere.