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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
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Events

  • Apr
    26
    3rd Annual City of Philadelphia Parent & Youth Resource Fair
    10:00 am to 2:00 pm
    Pennsylvania Convention Center – G Hall 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Entrance at Broad and Race Sts.

    3rd Annual City of Philadelphia Parent & Youth Resource Fair

    April 26, 2025
    10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 4 hours
    Pennsylvania Convention Center – G Hall 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Entrance at Broad and Race Sts.
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    Connect with dozens of City agencies and service providers to learn about their programs, resources, and services.
    • Discover summer jobs for teens and young adults
    • Find a great summer camp
    • Enjoy giveaways, refreshments, and live entertainment
    • And more!

    Learn More!
  • Apr
    28
    CUA 1&7 Parent Café - Seeing My Child for Who They Are: Different People, One Beautiful Family
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm
    1300 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA

    CUA 1&7 Parent Café - Seeing My Child for Who They Are: Different People, One Beautiful Family

    April 28, 2025
    11:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2 hours
    1300 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA
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    Join us as we learn how Concrete Supports and Knowledge of Child Development can help to better understanding your child for who they are.
  • Apr
    30
    CUA 7: Man Cave
    5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
    1300 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA

    CUA 7: Man Cave

    April 30, 2025
    5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, 2 hours
    1300 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA
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    Join us for fellowship, fun conversations and food at this men's only event.

Press Releases

Our programs

Resources

Pennsylvania child abuse clearances

Apply for PA Child Abuse History Clearance online.
Resources for parents

Explore a collection of guides, flyers, and other resources for parents who have children in the foster system.
Resources for foster parents

Explore a collection of guides, tip sheets, and other resources for foster parents.

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