As described in Chapter 39 and Chapter 415 , Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Children and Families is charged with providing comprehensive protective services for children who are abused, neglected, or at threat of harm, and vulnerable adults who are abused, neglected, or exploited in the state, by requiring that reports of abuse, neglect, threatened harm, or exploitation be made to the Florida Abuse Hotline .
Law enforcement is to take the lead in all criminal investigations and prosecutions.
- Any born, unmarried person less than 18 years old who has not been emancipated by order of the court.
View section 39.01, F.S., for definitions regarding children.
The Florida Abuse Hotline will accept a report when:
Definition of Caretaker Responsible (Child): Every child should expect to be safe and protected when in the care of:
- A person 18 years of age or older whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care or protection is impaired due to a mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical, or developmental disability or dysfunction, or brain damage, or the infirmities of aging.
The Florida Abuse Hotline will accept a report when:
Definition of Possible Responsible Person (Vulnerable Adult):
Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child's welfare is a mandatory reporter per section 39.201(1)(a), Florida Statutes.
Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited is a mandatory reporter per section 415.1034(1)(a), Florida Statutes.