Category: Programs for Families and Children

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can find information on services available to the disabled elderly on the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.