DHR

This article explains how Autauga County residents can use the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) to protect children and vulnerable adults, access benefits that stabilize families, and navigate county-level services efficiently. You’ll find plain-English guidance on how Autauga County AL DHR operates, what to expect from each program, how to prepare for visits and eligibility interviews, and where to escalate questions when you need help. A consolidated list of official DHR departments with addresses and phone numbers appears at the end.

Understand the Role of Autauga County’s DHR in Alabama’s Safety Net

The Department of Human Resources is Alabama’s primary social services agency. DHR’s statewide programs are administered locally through county offices—so for families in Prattville, Pine Level, Marbury, and other Autauga communities, the county office is the front door to services. County staff handle intake, eligibility, and case management; the state office in Montgomery provides policy, oversight, and specialized support divisions (such as adult protection, child support, and resource management).

At its core, DHR focuses on the protection, well-being, and self-sufficiency of children and adults. The child welfare mission emphasizes providing the least disruptive services necessary—helping maintain children safely in their own homes when possible, or ensuring timely, stable placements when temporary separation is needed. Adult services center on preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation; economic stability programs (like cash and food assistance) help families bridge gaps, meet basic needs, and regain independence.

To find the official Autauga County listing (director, location, and program phone lines), use the Autauga County DHR office contact page on the statewide site.
Link: Autauga County DHR office contact page

Start With the Local Office: How the Autauga County DHR Works Day to Day

The Autauga County office coordinates multiple service lines under one roof. When you arrive or call, you’ll be routed based on your need—child welfare, adult protective services, food assistance, family assistance (TANF/JOBS), foster care/adoption inquiries, or child support.

What to expect from a first touchpoint:

Brief screening or triage. Staff determine which program(s) apply to your situation and whether an immediate safety concern exists.

Documentation review. You’ll be told what proof to provide (identity, household composition, income, residency, or other case-specific verifications). If you don’t have documents in hand, staff will explain acceptable alternatives.

Next-step scheduling. Many services require an interview, assessment, or home visit. You’ll receive a date/time and instructions; keep your contact information current so staff can reach you.

Tips that smooth the process in Autauga County:

Bring a government-issued photo ID if you have one, and any paperwork that supports the reason you’re seeking help (court papers, medical summaries, pay stubs, notices, or letters from other agencies).

Keep a simple folder for DHR papers and your own notes: dates, staff names, and actions taken.

If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English or need other communication accommodations, DHR offers free assistance; the county can arrange this when you request it.

Protect Children and Strengthen Families: Child Protective Services in Autauga County

Child Protective Services (CPS) responds to concerns about child abuse or neglect and provides services designed to keep children safe while preserving family connections whenever it can be done safely. In Autauga County, a CPS contact may lead to:

Intake and screening. Staff evaluate whether the reported concern meets criteria for assessment.

Safety assessment. If the case moves forward, an assessment examines immediate safety, risk factors, and protective capacities in the home.

Service planning. When safety threats are identified, CPS may develop a plan with the family, connect parents to supportive services, and schedule progress reviews.

Out-of-home placement (when necessary). If a child cannot remain safely at home, CPS seeks the least disruptive, most stable alternative, with an emphasis on reunification when conditions allow.

Learn more about this program’s scope, expectations, and statewide policy on the official Child Protective Services page.
Link: Child Protective Services

Support Older and Vulnerable Adults: Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) addresses abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities. In Autauga County, APS can investigate concerns, coordinate services to reduce risk, and work with law enforcement or the courts when needed.

When you contact APS:

Be ready to describe the situation, the person’s condition or limitations, and any imminent risks you’ve observed.

Provide available details (names, addresses, phone numbers, and what has already been tried).

Understand the threshold. APS focuses on vulnerable adults who cannot protect themselves from harm; staff will advise on other options if the situation does not meet APS criteria.

Statewide information, reporting guidance, and the role of the APS division are outlined on the official Adult Protective Services page.
Link: Adult Protective Services

Secure Reliable Child Support: How Enforcement Helps Autauga Families

Child Support Enforcement helps locate parents, establish paternity, set and enforce support orders, and modify orders when circumstances change. In Autauga County, the child support unit works through the same county office, using state tools and court processes to advance your case.

What helps your case move faster:

Accurate identifying details for the other parent (full name, date of birth, Social Security number if known, last known address, employer).

Existing orders or case numbers from any court in Alabama or another state.

Documentation of changes (job loss, incarceration, or new employment) that might affect the support amount.

Review statewide procedures and forms on the Child Support Enforcement division page.
Link: Child Support Enforcement Division

Stabilize Income: Family Assistance (TANF/JOBS) in Autauga County

Family Assistance provides temporary cash assistance and work-related support to eligible families with children. The county office handles applications and explains participation requirements, such as cooperation with child support and engagement with employment or training activities.

How to prepare:

Proof of household composition and income. Bring pay stubs or benefit letters if available.

Work activity readiness. Expect a discussion about job search, training, or other steps aligned with your circumstances.

Compliance matters. Staying in touch with your caseworker and completing assigned activities keeps benefits on track.

Program details and statewide policies are outlined on the Family Assistance page.
Link: Family Assistance

Put Food on the Table: Food Assistance for Autauga Households

Food Assistance helps eligible households purchase groceries. Applications can be initiated through the county office, and verifications (income, rent/utilities, and household size) determine eligibility and benefit levels.

Make the process easier by:

Having pay stubs or benefit statements for the last month if available.

Keeping receipts or a simple budget to discuss household expenses that may factor into eligibility.

Reporting changes promptly (new job, reduced hours, change in household size) to avoid overpayments or interruptions.

For statewide program information, see the Food Assistance page.
Link: Food Assistance

Find and Maintain Quality Care: Child Care Services and Licensing

Child Care Services supports families who need help paying for child care and oversees licensing to promote health and safety in child care settings. Autauga County residents apply through the county office; approvals depend on availability, eligibility, and program priorities.

What families should know:

Eligibility is needs-based. Employment, education or training activities, and income guidelines all play a role.

Keep provider information handy. When you select a provider, the county needs the provider’s details to authorize payments.

Stay current on changes. Update the county if your work hours or provider changes; that keeps payments accurate and on time.

Explore licensing standards and program overviews on Child Care.
Link: Child Care

Open Your Home: Foster Care and Adoption in Autauga County

If you’re considering fostering, DHR trains, approves, and supports foster families. Foster parents provide temporary, stable homes for children whose safety requires out-of-home care. When reunification is not possible, adoption may be pursued to ensure permanency.

Foster care—what to expect:

Orientation and training. You’ll learn about roles, trauma-informed care, and support available to families.

Home study and approvals. Staff assess safety, readiness, and fit.

Ongoing partnership. Foster parents collaborate with caseworkers and service providers, attend court hearings when needed, and support family time with birth relatives as appropriate.

Adoption—key steps:

Information session. Understand requirements, timelines, and supports.

Preparation and matching. The approval process considers the needs of children waiting for adoption and the strengths of your family.

Post-placement support. After a child is placed, services continue to help the family thrive.

Learn more on Foster Care and Adoption.
Links: Foster Care | Adoption

Manage Placements and Providers: Resource Management

The Resource Management Division supports county offices by developing and overseeing provider networks—group homes, residential treatment programs, and specialized services used when a child’s needs exceed what can be provided in a family setting. For Autauga County cases, Resource Management helps ensure placements meet quality standards and match each child’s needs.

Read the statewide overview at Resource Management.
Link: Resource Management Division

Plan Your Visit: What to Bring and How to Prepare

A little organization helps every DHR appointment go better:

Identification and residency. Bring a photo ID if you have one, plus any document showing your current Autauga County address.

Household information. A simple list with the full names and birthdates of everyone in your home is useful across programs.

Income and expenses. Recent pay stubs or benefit letters, and notes on rent, utilities, and child care costs, help determine eligibility for assistance.

Case-specific documents. Court orders, hospital discharge summaries, police reports, previous agency correspondence—bring anything relevant to the reason for your visit.

A notepad or phone notes. Jot down the names of staff you meet, due dates, and next steps. Keep everything in a single folder so it’s easy to find.

Navigate Interviews, Home Visits, and Assessments

Many programs require an interview or assessment:

Eligibility interviews (Food Assistance or Family Assistance) verify information and may be completed in person or by phone.

Safety assessments (CPS/APS) focus on immediate risks and protective factors. Be factual, share concerns clearly, and provide contacts for people who can support or verify your account.

Home visits occur in child welfare and foster care processes to assess safety and readiness. Prepare by ensuring working utilities, secure storage of medications and hazards, and available sleeping space for children.

If you cannot attend a scheduled appointment, contact the county office as soon as possible to reschedule; missed appointments can delay benefits or services.

Keep Your Case Moving: Follow-Ups and Reporting Changes

After your initial application or assessment:

Respond quickly to document requests. If you need more time to gather papers, tell your worker—extensions may be possible.

Report changes promptly. Household size, income, employment status, and address changes can affect eligibility and benefits.

Use one point of contact. If multiple programs are open, ask who should be your primary contact and the best way to reach them.

Track renewals. Many benefits require periodic recertification. Put renewal dates on your calendar and start early.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities When Working With DHR

Understanding expectations helps you advocate for yourself and your family:

You have the right to fair and respectful treatment. DHR values integrity, respect, commitment, and accountability in all interactions.

You have the responsibility to provide accurate information. Misstatements or delayed updates can cause overpayments or service interruptions.

You can ask questions. If you don’t understand a requirement or decision, request clarification or a written explanation.

You may appeal certain decisions. Ask your worker how to file an appeal or who to contact for a review.

Engage Community Partners Through the County Office

While DHR is not a referral hub for non-government organizations, the county office can coordinate with law enforcement, courts, and other government agencies as needed to support safety plans, enforce child support orders, or implement court-ordered services. When your DHR case intersects with these systems, your county worker can explain roles and communication channels so you know what to expect.

Departments and Offices — Addresses and Phone Numbers

Autauga County Department of Human Resources — 203 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067-3003 — Adult Services (334) 358-5000; After-Hours/Emergency (334) 325-4718; Child Support (334) 358-5000; Family and Child Services (334) 358-5000; Food Assistance (334) 358-5000; TANF or JOBS Information (334) 358-5000; FAX (334) 365-3274

Adult Protective Services — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-1350; Adult Abuse Hotline 1-800-458-7214

Child Care Services — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-1425

Child Protective Services — Alabama Department of Human Resources (State Office), 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-9500

Child Support Enforcement Division — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-9300; FAX (334) 242-0606

Family Assistance Division — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-1773 or (334) 242-1950

Food Assistance Division — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Montgomery Area (334) 242-0143; Outside Montgomery Area (800) 382-0499; Food Assistance Program (833) 822-2202

Foster Care (General Information) — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-1310; FAX (334) 353-1115

Resource Management Division — Alabama Department of Human Resources, 50 N. Ripley St., P.O. Box 304000, Montgomery, AL 36130-4000 — Phone (334) 242-1650

Autauga County DHR FAQs

How do I report child abuse or neglect in Autauga County?

Reports are handled through the county office during business hours, with after-hours instructions provided on the state site. For policies, definitions, and reporting guidance recognized across Alabama, review the official Child Protective Services page, then use the Autauga entry in the county directory to reach the correct local point of contact.

How are Adult Protective Services referrals handled locally?

Concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults are received and coordinated through the county office with support from the state division. Start with the statewide Adult Protective Services page for eligibility thresholds, reporting guidance, and process expectations, then use the Autauga listing in the county directory to connect with local staff for next steps.

How do Autauga County residents apply for Food Assistance (SNAP)?

Applications are administered locally with statewide rules, verification requirements, and recertification timelines. Review the Food Assistance page for eligibility criteria, benefit issuance basics, and program updates, then consult the Autauga entry in the county directory for local application options and scheduling information.

How can I open or modify a child support case through Autauga County?

Case initiation, paternity, orders, and enforcement are coordinated at the county level using Alabama’s standardized procedures. Begin with the Child Support Enforcement page to understand services and forms supported statewide, then navigate to Autauga’s listing in the county directory to proceed with local case actions.