What is the purpose of the Florida Abuse Hotline?

The Florida Abuse Hotline is specifically designed to receive and document reports of suspected abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults. Its primary aim is to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals by allowing anyone who suspects abuse to report it confidentially. This enables the appropriate authorities to investigate and take necessary actions to protect those at risk.

The hotline does not provide legal advice, emergency medical assistance, or mental health counseling. Instead, it serves as a critical tool to facilitate the reporting process for individuals and professionals who are concerned about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults, thereby playing an essential role in the state's child protection and welfare system. This focus on reporting suspected abuse is fundamental to the hotline's operations and its mission to ensure the safety of those in potential harm.