Adult Protective Services
DHR is charged with the responsibility of seeking out, through investigation, complaints from citizens or otherwise, the adults who may be in need of care and protection because of danger to their health or safety. Additionally, DHR arranges services and provides case management services for adults in need of protection. DHR must also aid such adults to a fair opportunity in life. Essentially, DHR must receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. We also petition the court to authorize the Department to arrange for services when there is an immediate danger to health and safety and the adult does not or cannot consent to services.
Yes, if you are a practitioner of the healing arts or caregiver, you are required by law to report any form of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult who is physically or mentally incapable of adequately caring for his or herself. Long Term Care Ombudsmen are also mandated reporters.
Mandated reporters must report immediately after finding reasonable cause to believe that an adult in need of protection has been subjected to any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Reports may be made orally by telephone or in person. It should be followed by a written report.
Any individual who is concerned about the well being of an individual who is 18 years old or older who is unable to protect themselves due to mental or physical impairments may make a report. Optional reporters (private individuals and social services agency representatives) may also report suspected adult abuse. Anonymous reports are accepted.
Reports may be made to the sheriff, chief of police or to any County Department of Human Resources. A county office is located in each county within the State of Alabama. Reports may also be made by calling the Adult Abuse hotline at 1-800-458-7214.
As much basic information as possible, such as the name, address and age of the alleged victim should be included. The nature and extent of injuries, and any facts and circumstances which may assist with meeting the needs of the alleged victim should also be included.
The county DHR or the appropriate law enforcement authority will make an investigation within seven (7) calendar days after receiving the report. Investigations are initiated immediately when there is immediate danger to health and safety.
Yes, the Adult Protective Services Act grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any individual who reports and participates in judicial proceedings concerning reports.
Child Care Services
Child day care is the care by a parent substitute for a portion of a 24-hour day. The term ” day care ” service refers to both “day time” care and “night-time” care. “Night-time” care is usually provided after 7:00 p.m. This would also include so-called “third-shift”, “odd hour”, and week-end care.
If a provider is required to be licensed or chooses to be licensed, a staff member from the State Department of Human Resources performs that function.
Contact the State Department of Education at 334-242-8249.
Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Day Care Services Division at (866) 528-1694 and request to speak to Child Care Intake. A packet of information will be mailed to you upon your request to this unit.
Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Day Care Services Division at (866) 528-1694 and request to speak to Child Care Intake. A packet of information will be mailed to you upon your request to this unit.
Two documents are available for your review:
(PDF File)
(PDF File)
(Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)
You are also invited to contact the Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division at (334) 242-1425 and request to speak to Child Care Services or go to the website for the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care .
Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Day Care Division at (334) 242-1425 and request to speak to Child Care Intake.
No.
Contact the Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division at 1-866-528-1694 and request to speak to Child Care Intake. Complaints that are violations of the Child Care Minimum Standards will be investigated by the Department. Complaints can also be emailed to childcarelicensingintake@dhr.alabama.gov.
Food Assistance
You must file an application in the county where you live or online. You may call or write the local Food Assistance Office and an application will be sent to you or come into the office and get an application and complete it while you are there. You may also print an application from this website, Food Assistance Division, complete it, fax, mail, or take the signed application to your county Food Assistance Office for processing. Once you have filed the application, you will be given or mailed an appointment for an interview with a worker.
Examples of information we need for all household members include proof of income, current proof of rent or mortgage expenses, proof of child care expenses, social security numbers for everyone in the household, and proof of obligated child support payments paid to someone outside the household.
The county department has up to 30 days from the date you turn in your application to notify you of a decision about your eligibility for food assistance. In some cases, if you have little or no income and resources, you may be entitled to expedited service and then a decision is made in 7 days from the date you turn in your application. You will be told when a decision will be made on your application when you are interviewed.
Food assistance benefits are put into an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) account for you each month. You will receive an EBT card to use like a credit card at the grocery store.
