Skip to main content


U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government
              Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
                 A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
                  HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                 A **lock** (A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
  Menu Close
          HHS Search block
    Search
        








  
  
    

  
      

                                      About HHS
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Programs & Services
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Grants & Contracts
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Laws & Regulations Breadcrumb
    Home
                              Answers
                              Category: Programs for Families and Children
 Navigate to:
  Coronavirus
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Grants
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Health Insurance Reform
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      HHS Administrative
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      HIPAA
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Medicare and Medicaid
    
                                    
                                                                  
                          
      
      
      
      Programs for Families and Children
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Public Health and SafetyText resize icon

                    




Category: Programs for Families and Children**Topics:**Assistance for Families | Prevent Abuse
  
  
  
      Assistance for Families


I am not satisfied with how my child support case is being handled. What do I do?
    The Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Program is run by states and counties, and they are the best source of information about your case. If you are working with your local agency, but are not getting support payments, contact your state CSE agency for help.
Read the full answer
      Is there any help available for my single parent family?
    Benefits.gov offers information about all federal programs that provide benefits or services. The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) also has tools to help parents looking for child support programs.
Read the full answer
      How do I apply for financial aid for my family?
    HHS offers many financial aid and other assistance programs, mostly at the state and local levels. The benefits.gov website has information on all the programs and how to apply.
Read the full answer
      What is TANF?
    The TANF programhelps families with children when parents or other relatives cannot provide for the family's basic needs. The federal government provides grants to states to run the TANF program.
Read the full answer
      Where can I find information on programs to help meet the needs of children and families?
    Benefits.gov offers eligibility and contact information about all federal programs that provide benefits or services. A list of all Health and Human Services programs is available on the site, as is a list of child care/child support programs.
Read the full answer
      What agencies advocate for people with disabilities?
    The Administration for Community Living (ACL) funds programs, like the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), that help people with disabilities. Many government agencies have programs, and there are many local advocates and advocacy agencies in states across the country.
Read the full answer
      What services are available to older adults with disabilities?
    You can find information on services available to the disabled elderly on the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator website.
Read the full answer
      How can I get my child into Head Start?
    To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, use the web-based Head Start Center Locator or call 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free). Your local program will provide the required forms and answer your questions.
Read the full answer



      
          
          
          
    
  Prevent Abuse


What is child abuse or neglect? What is the definition of child abuse and neglect?
    There are various types of abuse and neglect, but the federal government has a general standard for child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect, and states also have their own definitions.
Read the full answer
      How do I report elder abuse or abuse of an older person or senior?
    If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police.
Read the full answer
      How can I recognize elder abuse?
    Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be physical or sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, emotional abuse, abandonment, and self-neglect.
Read the full answer
      At what age can a child legally be left alone to care for themselves?
    State child abuse and neglect reporting laws do not specify the age at which a child can be left home alone. You may want to contact your local police department or child protective services agency for information about specific local regulations or ordinances.
Read the full answer

  
  
  







  Search HHS FAQs by questions or keywords:
    

      Search HHS FAQs by questions or keywords
    Search Back to top
    Contact HHS
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Careers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      HHS FAQs
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Nondiscrimination NoticeHHS Archive
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Accessibility Statement
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Privacy Policy
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Viewers & PlayersBudget/Performance
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Inspector General
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Web Site Disclaimers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      EEO/No Fear ActFOIA
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      The White House
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      USA.gov
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
        Sign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases.

Sign Up
  HHS Headquarters
          200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
                  Washington, D.C. 20201
                  Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​ Disclaimer Policy: Links with this icon () mean that you are leaving the HHS website. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot guarantee the accuracy of a non-federal website.
                  Linking to a non-federal website does not mean that HHS or its employees endorse the sponsors, information, or products presented on the website. HHS links outside of itself to provide you with further information.
                  You will be bound by the destination website's privacy policy and/or terms of service when you follow the link.
                  HHS is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on private websites. For more information on HHS's web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.
 Continue
                  Go back