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Department of Human Services

For teens and YA

The Department of Human Services (DHS) supports many programs for teens and young adults, including services for youth who are involved with DHS and summer programming like #ItsASummerThing.

Services

Ask the DHS Commissioner’s Action Response Office (CARO)

CARO responds to questions, concerns, or complaints about any services provided by DHS.

Get help with domestic violence

Information and resources for people who are impacted by domestic violence.

Understanding your case

Entering placement can be a confusing time. We have resources to help you understand who is involved in your case and who supports you.

Resources for older youth

Successfully transitioning into adulthood isn’t easy. The Department of Human Services has gathered a list of local resources to assist older youth with successfully transitioning out of the foster care system.

Resources for LGBTQ young people

LGBTQ children and youth in foster care deserve to grow up in a safe and happy environment. Providing welcoming spaces helps to support and empower LGBTQ+ youth, especially as they grow into healthy adults.

DHS works with community-based providers to offer supportive resources to LGBTQIA+ young people and their families.

  • Galaei’s SPLAT program works to support youth. It does this through empowerment and leadership development of queer youth of color.
  • Mazzoni Center provides comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment.
  • The Attic Youth Center helps LGBTQ youth to grow into healthy, independent, adults.
  • Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs works to uplift the voices of all LGBTQ+ community members and continue to foster an inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ Philadelphians.

Programs and Initiatives

A youth leader runs an activity with a group of teens at a youth development program.

DHS youth development programs

Working with city-wide organizations to provide a variety of youth development programs for children and older youth.

DHS Intensive Prevention Services (IPS)

Supporting youths' unique needs to prevent them from entering the juvenile justice system.
Young woman, smiling while cooking something in a frying pan on a stove.

Achieving Independence Center (AIC)

Enhancing education and building independent living skills in current and former DHS-involved teens and young adults.
A young African American girl holding a camera and smiling.

Community Evening Resource Centers (CERC)

Providing free, safe spaces at night for youth to engage in fun, structured activities.
White woman wearing glasses bends down to listen to two young men.

Education Support Center

Helping children and youth in DHS care achieve their fullest academic potential.

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