Children, Youth & Families
← Back to Resource Directory988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7, free, and confidential service for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress or thoughts of suicide. You can access help by calling, texting, or chatting online.
Call or Text: Dial 988
Website: 988lifeline.org
Translation: Voice callers can access over 240 additional languages via Language Line Solutions (stay on the line and ask for an interpreter).
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys and Girls Clubs of America is a nonprofit organization that provides afterschool programs and safe spaces for children and teens to learn, grow, and build positive relationships. Through local clubs, it offers academic support, mentorship, leadership development, and recreational activities that help young people develop skills, confidence, and healthy lifestyles. The organization focuses on supporting youth from all backgrounds, especially those who need additional guidance and opportunities to succeed.
Broward County:
Phone: 954-537-1010
Website: BGCBC.org
Miami-Dade County:
Phone: 305-446-9910
Website: BGCMia.org
Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and oversees public education across traditional, magnet, charter, and alternative schools. It manages school operations, student services, transportation, safety, and academic programs throughout the district. BCPS also provides family support, enrollment and registration assistance, and district-wide communication for school safety and student resources.
District Office: 754-321-0000
Anonymous Tips: 754-321-3500
Bullying: 754-321-1603
School Police: 754-321-0725
Transportation: 754-321-4400
School Board Info
Registration Enrollment Info
Report Anonymous Tips
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is a 24 hour confidential hotline that provides support, crisis intervention, and resources for children, teens, and adults concerned about child abuse or neglect. Trained counselors are available to help individuals report suspected abuse, seek guidance, and connect with local child protection and support services. The hotline also offers emotional support and information to help ensure the safety and well being of children across the United States.
Call or Text: 1-800-422-4453
Chat: ChildhelpHotline.org
Children's Services Council of Broward County
An independent taxing authority that provides leadership and resources to improve the lives of children in Broward County. The CSC funds over 100 community programs focused on family strengthening, after-school and summer initiatives, maternal/child health, and support for youth with special needs. Key services include the Broward AWARE! child abuse prevention campaign, water safety coupons (SWIM Central), and a comprehensive Family Resource Guide.
Phone: 954-377-1000
Website: cscbroward.org
Early Learning Coalition of Broward County
The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County enhances and supports early childhood education by managing and funding high-quality early learning programs for local families. The organization administers the state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, which provides free preschool education to all eligible four-year-olds to prepare them for kindergarten. Additionally, the coalition oversees the School Readiness program, offering financial assistance and childcare subsidies to low-income working families, while connecting parents to free child care resource and referral services to help them find the right providers.
Phone: 954-377-2188
Website: elcbroward.org
Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe
The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe enhances and supports early childhood education by managing and funding high-quality early learning programs across both counties. The organization administers the state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, which provides free preschool education to eligible four-year-olds to prepare them for kindergarten success. Additionally, the coalition oversees the School Readiness program to provide childcare financial assistance to low-income families, coordinates the federal Early Head Start program for infants and toddlers, and offers free Child Care Resource and Referral services to help parents navigate local daycare and preschool choices.
Phone: 305-646-7220
Website: elcmdm.org
Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline
The Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline receives reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, elderly individuals, or vulnerable adults. It operates 24/7 and connects reports to protective services for investigation and response. The hotline helps ensure the safety and protection of individuals at risk and coordinates with law enforcement and local agencies when needed.
Phone: 1-800-962-2873
Hotline Website
Guardian Ad Litem
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides legal advocacy for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Appointed by a judge, a GAL is a trained volunteer or attorney who represents the "best interests" of the child. Unlike a traditional lawyer, they conduct independent investigations, speaking with teachers, doctors, and family, to provide the court with objective recommendations on the child’s safety and placement.
Broward County:
Phone: 954-831-6214
Website: galbroward.org
Miami-Dade County:
Phone: 305-679-2222
Website: guardianadlitem.org
Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services
Miami Bridge is Miami-Dade County’s only 24/7 emergency shelter serving runaways, homeless youth, and kids in crisis (ages 10–17). The organization focuses on family reunification, providing trauma-informed counseling, case management, and an on-site Miami-Dade County Public Schools program to ensure youth do not fall behind academically. They also provide community-based prevention programs to help families resolve conflict before a crisis escalates.
Phone: 305-635-8953
Website: miamibridge.org
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and oversees academic instruction, school operations, student services, transportation, safety, and district-wide programs across traditional, magnet, charter, and alternative schools. The district also provides family support services, enrollment assistance, and communication resources to promote student success and school safety.
District Office: 305-995-1000
Bullying Hotline: 305-995-2273
School Police: 305-995-2677
Transportation: 305-234-3365
School Board Info
Registration & Enrollment
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is the nation’s clearinghouse for information on missing and sexually exploited children. It provides 24/7 technical assistance to families and law enforcement to help recover missing children and combat online exploitation.
Phone: 1-800-843-5678
Report Online: CyberTipline.org
Website: MissingKids.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating abuse, or coercive relationships. Trained advocates offer crisis counseling, safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local shelters, legal services, and community resources. Support is also available for friends and family members seeking guidance.
Call: 1-800-799-7233
Text: Text START to 88788
Online Chat: TheHotline.org
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential 24/7 support for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or emotional distress. It connects callers with trained counselors who offer emotional support, resources, and referrals to local providers and services. Support is also available for family members and loved ones seeking guidance.
Call or Text: 1-833-852-6262
Hotline Website
National Parent & Youth Helpline
The National Parent & Youth Helpline provides free, confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and resource referrals for parents, caregivers, children, and teens. Trained advocates assist with challenges such as family conflict, stress, mental health concerns, bullying, abuse, school issues, and emotional crises, helping callers connect with local services and support resources.
Call or Text: 1-855-427-2736
Hotline Website
National Runaway Safeline
The National Runaway Safeline is a 24/7 confidential resource for youth at risk of running away, those currently homeless, and their families. Their primary services include crisis intervention, neutral mediation between youth and parents, and the Home Free program, which provides free Greyhound bus tickets to return youth to a safe environment.
Call or Text: 1-800-786-2929
Website: 1800runaway.org
STOMP Out Bullying
STOMP Out Bullying is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing bullying, cyberbullying, and related issues affecting youth. It provides education, resources, and support for students, parents, and educators, including peer support, crisis resources, and guidance on how to respond to bullying safely and effectively. The organization also promotes awareness campaigns focused on mental health, inclusivity, and online safety.
Phone: 1-877-602-8559
Website: stompoutbullying.org
StopBullying.gov
StopBullying.gov is a federal website that provides information and resources to help prevent and respond to bullying among youth in schools, online, and in communities. It explains how to recognize different types of bullying, including cyberbullying, and offers guidance for students, parents, and educators on how to respond safely and effectively. The site also connects users to reporting options, support resources, and prevention strategies to promote safe and respectful environments.
Website: stopbullying.gov
The Children's Trust
A dedicated source of revenue derived from property taxes to fund programs that improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. The Trust provides grants and strategic leadership for early childhood development, after-school and summer programs, health and wellness initiatives, and parenting support. It also offers the "Books for Free" program and manages a comprehensive directory of community resources.
Phone: 305-571-5700
Website: thechildrenstrust.org
YMCA of South Florida
A nonprofit community organization providing health, wellness, and youth development programs across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The YMCA operates several family centers and aquatic facilities offering fitness equipment, group exercise, youth sports, swim lessons, and childcare. Specialized programs include after-school care, summer camps, and health screenings for all ages.
Phone: 954-334-9622
Website: ymcasouthflorida.org